GRACE IMMANUEL BIBLE CHURCH – Christmas concerts are plentiful this time of year, but every so often one comes along that does far more than showcase musical talent. Rather than feeling like a member of an audience watching a performance, I found myself drawn fully into worship itself. That was my experience at Christmas at Grace, the recent Christmas concert at Grace Immanuel Bible Church — an evening marked unmistakably by joy, peace, and a clear proclamation of the Gospel.

Even before arriving, I knew the night would be special. Grace Immanuel Bible Church has a reverence and love for Christ that comes through in every sermon, and it is especially evident in these Christmas concerts. All I had to do was sit and wait to be in awe. From the opening prelude, led by Dan and Rachel Kreider, it was clear this would not simply be a seasonal program, but a sincere offering of worship to the Lord.

One of the defining characteristics of Christmas at Grace was the atmosphere in the room. Often at these concerts, I feel as though I am literally inside the music — inside worship itself. The love for the Lord present among the musicians, vocalists, and congregation can not be denied. Rather than drawing attention to individuals, the focus remained firmly on Christ and the meaning of His incarnation.

The program was thoughtfully crafted, blending traditional carols, classical works, and even music and lyrics written by some of the performers. Early in the evening, the congregation was invited to lift their voices together during Angels We Have Heard on High and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, led by the children’s choir. Later, the evening concluded with congregational participation during O Come, All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be), with Terri Gravett. These moments transformed the concert from something to be observed into something to be shared — a reminder that the message of Christmas is not passive, but meant to be proclaimed.

One of the defining characteristics of the evening was the evident humility among those leading the music. Though the concert was executed with professionalism and musical excellence, there was no hint of pride or competition. As Minister of Music Dan Kreider has often shared, there is no jockeying for solos or spotlight. Instead, each participant is simply eager to serve wherever they are called. That spirit was unmistakable throughout the program and contributed greatly to the reverent tone of the evening.

The involvement of the children’s and youth choirs was especially meaningful to me. Years ago, I had the privilege of teaching many of the boys present in K-1st grade Sunday School. Now, years later, some of my former students are in middle and high school. Seeing them glorifying God in this way brought such joy to my heart and was a powerful reminder of God’s ongoing work across generations. Their ministry to the congregation spoke volumes of the rewards of spiritual growth, faithfulness, and the long-term fruit of discipleship within our local church.

Musically, the selections were rich in theology and intentional in their progression. I have actually come to expect nothing less from GIBC’s faithful music ministry. Each piece seemed to build upon the last, guiding listeners from anticipation to adoration. Yet the heart of the evening was not found in the notes alone, but in how the music prepared the congregation to hear the Word of God proclaimed.

Toward the end of the concert, Pastor Jerry Wragg delivered a devotional that anchored the entire program in the Gospel. As is customary in these concerts, the message was clear, direct, and centered on the saving work of Christ. Attendees are regularly encouraged to invite unbelieving family and friends, and Pastor Wragg’s remarks reflected that evangelistic heart. He spoke of Christ as our shield — the One who bore the wrath of God on behalf of sinners, becoming the perfect payment for sin.

Christmas is a season when the world is often more willing to talk about Jesus — even if only sentimentally. Even so, Pastor Wragg’s message did not shy away from the truth that Christ is not merely a symbol of peace, but the Lord and Savior – the only hope for salvation. The music that preceded and followed the devotional reinforced that message, creating a unified testimony that Christmas is ultimately about redemption, not nostalgia.

For some in attendance, the concert also served as a personal ministry during a difficult season. Christmas can be a joyful time, but it can also stir feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or loss. In the midst of a busy and often overwhelming season, the music provided a space for renewed focus on Christ, who promised, “…surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 BSB). The themes of hope, grace, and God’s nearness in Christ helped settle anxious hearts, including mine, and redirected the focus away from personal circumstances and back to the unchanging promises of God.

As the final song wrapped, and the congregation began moving toward the reception in the fellowship hall, it was clear that Christmas at Grace had accomplished far more than filling an evening on the church’s calendar. It had reminded believers why Christmas matters, pointed unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel, and united the church body in worship. Those who attended did not simply leave having heard beautiful music. They left with a renewed understanding that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He alone is our hope, and that God’s grace truly came to us at Christmas time.

Gallery • 20 Photos

References

Disclaimer: Grace Immanuel Bible Church is not affiliated with and does not sponsor Thrive Christian Press or The Believer’s Byline. All opinions expressed are those of the author.

Grace Immanuel Bible Church. Christmas at Grace Concert. Boxcast. December 14, 2025. https://boxcast.tv/channel/ofht8pximl7oimmgjnht?b=nho2i8saqqt18n68zvoj (Accessed December 14, 2025).

Photography Credit

All photography was produced from screenshots from the online broadcast of Christmas at Grace, which were then significantly edited. All images are used in keeping with the terms of fair use and for review purposes only. Thrive Christian Press makes no claim on these images.