Description

As the glow of candlelight fills the sanctuary and the first notes rise into the vaulted ceiling, we invite you to leave the hurried pace of the season behind and enter an evening of beauty, wonder, and celebration. The evening opens with a candlelight procession before the Chancel Choir presents the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel’s immortal masterpiece, Messiah. Joining the choir are the outstanding soloists of First United Methodist Church—Jade Weiss, Omar Urbina, Jasmine Martin, and Leela Sundaram—accompanied by the FUMC Christmas Orchestra and organist Michael Stuart. The celebration continues with the enchanting Christmas carol arrangements of Disney arranger Derrick Johnson, performed by the choirs of First UMC and joined by the phenomenal youth choirs of Rowlett Academy and Dan Nolan Middle School. Together, these gifted musicians will fill the sanctuary with the warmth, excitement, and joy that have made Christmas music a treasured part of our lives. Adding further richness to the evening are luminous works by Morten Lauridsen and John Rutter, along with the heartwarming O Joyful Children by Lee Holdridge, creating a musical journey that spans centuries while celebrating the enduring message of Christmas. Admission is complimentary; however, seating is limited. We encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy this unforgettable celebration of Christmas. Complimentary Valet. Performance time: 75 minutes