CHRIST Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6): “DOWN FROM HIS GLORY”

I was so pleased when Kathy Jackson, choir director and organist of John Gray United Church, West Bay, called to invite me to their Christmas Cantata being sung on Sunday January 8th. It was originally performed for their Christmas Celebrations and this was a repeat performance. I arrived at the church a little late after coming home from Pease Bay vising my son, Garry.

I’m sorry to say I missed the start of the service but I certainly was there for the introduction of the Cantata with Mrs. Carolett Kinghorn as their Narrator. It was so nice to hear the young girls participating in singing various Christmas carols “Ha La La La” (Joy to the World). This was followed by “Five Little Fingers” (sung by Jennifer Robinson, Alyssa McLaughlin, Alikie Kandler, Breana Welds and Tiffany Conolly doing an excellent job with the choir).Then soloist, Mrs. Gerry Robinson sang “It’s the Messiah”. Following this, the choir together with the congregation, sang all our favourite carols – five in all! There were 14 choir members with very strong melodious voices. After the carols came a Pat a Pan that included “For Unto Us a Child is Born” (we were told that this came on line from the 16th century), and “Sing We Now of Christmas”.

“He Loved Us More” with “More Than Wonderful” was very well sung by Miss Amber Bothwell – this young lady really did a beautiful and powerful job on this solo. Keep it up Amber. More carols followed including “The Story That Never Grows Old” beautifully sung again by Mrs. Gerry Robinson with the Choir joining in. “Down from His Glory” was the finale including many more beautiful Christmas Carols.

When this was over came the ministers response and prayer by Rev. Tara Tyme who said ‘Glory’ comes from the Greek and means ‘Grace, Goodness and Power’.

“Go Tell it on the Mountain” was then sung by us all as the offering was collected.

I must congratulate Kathy and the Choir of John Gray for a fantastic job well done. The preparation and practices alone must’ve taken months to prepare. But it was certainly worth it.

Thank you Kathy for inviting me.