Although the Singing Christmas Tree held last year made a whopping $18,000 loss, despite over 5,000 persons attending the spectacular, it will be returning again for this year’s Christmas celebrations at the First Assembly of God.

First Assembly of God with other local Cayman churches have already commenced planning this year’s event.

Last year’s inaugural production was indeed spectacular. There were both local and international performers. Local talent included the Cayman National Choir, John Gray High School Band, a children’s choir, Earl La Pierre and the steel drums, and even a story telling segment, where Reginald Delaphena, a local story teller, told tales of Ole’ Time Christmas in Cayman. There were also dancers from various churches performing alongside the “Tree “singers. One of the highlights of the production was the “Love in Any Language” segment, where Christmas around the world was celebrated in national costumes. This segment was crowned off with the appearance of Miss Cayman 2011, Linsday Japal, who graced the stage celebrating unity with all the other nations. International recording artists such as Dennis Wilson and Jimmy Gordon stirred the crowd with their riveting performances of contemporary versions of traditional Christmas songs. Finally, the grand choir, the “singing tree” choir comprised of members from various local churches. A significant number of choir members were from the First Assembly Church, Light of the World, and other local churches. The spectacular was called “Birth of a King”.

This year, the singing tree will feature newcomers the Barbados Youth Synergy Worship Warfare Dancers, who are a group of teenagers and young adults in a fast-paced dance worship and the Maschola Dancers. Returning artists will be Paula Hinds, Reverend Ferdinand Nicholls, Dennis Wilson and Jim Gordon.

The family musical event, free to the public, will feature live singers encased in an artificial Christmas tree, 21-feet-tall and decorated and designed with an elaborate computer-controlled light show synchronised 
to music.

This year there will be increased seating as the Church had to turn away many cars and people who wanted to attend. There will be a shuttle service.

The Singing Christmas Tree is the brainchild of Elsa Bobb, wife of First Assembly of God leader Pastor Torrance Bobb, to transform Christmas season celebrations in such a way to astound, delight, and enchant with wonderful Christmas cheer and carols.

Sometimes called a Living Christmas Tree, the Singing Christmas Tree is an artificial Christmas tree filled with singers used as part of nativity plays. The tree is constructed of steel and wood and depending on its size, the tree may accompany between 30 to 450 singers.

From a ministry point of view, it is an evangelistic theme geared to bringing families together in a family-oriented setting telling the good news of Jesus, while also promoting unity and harmony.

Construction of the stage, measuring 60 feet by 40 feet and located in front of the church, will begin weeks before performances are scheduled to commence.

Local engineers will be involved in the setting up of the stage.

The tree will boast a shining, 6-foot star on top and could weigh as much as 16,000 pounds when filled with singers.

The structure comes with the garland and decorations, cable and a control system for the lighting.

In Barbados, the Singing Christmas Tree has developed into one of the attractions listed on the tourism website, and people attend the event from all 
over the world.

Organisers are hoping it will become a tourist attraction in Cayman as well, as the production has the capacity to expand to drama through the use of dance, mime and children’s’ choir.

Additional trees have the opportunity to make it a bigger and more magnificent show.

Pastor Bobb said that the loss was made up by a kind donor. Expenses last year amounted to $59,000.

People who attend must donate more generously this year if they want this wonderful event to continue.