With Christmas once again upon us, we pause to remember the simple joys of days gone by. But though times have changed, the true spirit of the holiday season remains forever constant.
This was true at the annual Christmas Chorale held at the Emo Christian Reformed Church before a packed sanctuary from various denominations.
This year, the format was changed to the Ecumenical Community Choir, representing all churches of the Emo ministerial.
Ministers read the scripture lessons while children from the community acted out the nativity scene. It definitely was colourful and impressive, noted one member from the Emo centennial committee.
The community choir, directed by Renne Martin and accompanied by pianist Cheryl Low and Chris Hellinga on the organ, opened with the carol, “Were You There on That Christmas Night?”
Throughout the one-hour program, the choir led the audience in several Christmas carols, namely “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noel,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “We Three Kings,” and “Joy to the World.”
The chorale then closed out the evening with “Ring Christmas Bells,” during which all participants in the program gathered on the stage as a grand finale.
“The children did very well and they were attired in appropriate costumes,” noted a member of the committee, adding the show certainly was an audience pleaser.
Afterwards, refreshments were served in the Fellowship Hall.