I was at The Lions Centre last Saturday (24) to watch the Eighth production of the First Assembly of God’s “Singing Christmas Tree”. An encore performance was scheduled for the following night.

If you didn’t get to see it, and there was little excuse as it was televised live by Cayman27, you missed a truly spectacular event.

Instead of it being held in the church grounds, adjoining the Linford Pierson Highway as all the preceding years, it was moved to The Lions Centre. Last year, the Sunday night’s showing was totally ruined by torrential rain, and wisely the organisers moved it so the event was now under cover. The weather was not going to interfere this time around.

Of course, this year, both days were beautiful with hardly a cloud in the sky.

However, by moving it to a venue that already had lighting and sound, and other amenities, it made for an even greater spectacle, and easier to accomplish.

The moment that blew me away, as I wasn’t expecting it, was the snow effect that really did look like a blizzard had fallen on the Lion’s stage. I even felt cold and it reminded me very much of an English winter at Christmas tide. Even if I can only remember one actual White Christmas Day there.

The them this year was “The Joy and Wonder of Christmas”.

The pack filled programme said “Christmas is a time of wonder and amazement as we ponder what God has done for us. This is a wonderful time of year when there is peace and goodwill among men.”

Before, the actual Christmas tree was lit and came to life with its singers packed into the tree’s branches, we were treated to a whole hour of entertainment from various local groups from the really very young to the young adults. There were far too many for me to name individually but it included, singers, dancers, and musicians.  There was also an appearance from a church choir from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

My favourite was a display from one of the pre-schools with tiny tots dressed up in national costumes running across the stage, except for one boy. He made the most of his appearance on stage as he featured the Jamaican costume complete with flag and didn’t want to walk off. There is an actor in the making.

Everyone gasped and applauded when the Christmas Tree finally came to life (with the snow effect) and we were treated to some glorious singing from The Singing Tree Choir.

If that wasn’t enough we had some dramatic performances depicting the birth of Jesus right up to his Ascension into heaven.

Well done Pr. Bob and his amazing team at First Assembly of God. I look forward to next year’s.

IMAGES: Colin Wilson ieyenews