JUPITER, FLORIDA – Every year as the Florida air becomes slightly cooler, you can be assured there is a joyful anticipation in the hearts and minds of the congregation of Grace Immanuel Bible Church. Each year around mid-December, at our annual Christmas Concert, we are blessed with some of the most amazing and Christ-honoring music you could hope to find.

Directed for many years now by Minister of Music Dan Kreider, this concert is a staple of the faithful teaching and sound theology of GIBC. This year’s concert was entitled Celebrate the Joy, and like so many years before, the faithful musicians involved did not fail to give profound glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Held over four nights—December 12-15—this free event drew audiences into a worshipful atmosphere with its theologically rich music and exceptional performances. The concert featured a full orchestra, an adult choir, a children’s choir, a youth choir, a chorale, a quartet, and numerous talented soloists from the church. Every detail, from the lighting and sound to the seamless transitions, reflected the dedication of the audio and tech support team, including Rob Jorgensen, Melanie McDowell, Christian Herrera, Sam Langweil, Sandy Pool, Jack Pool, Rich Stokesbury, and Matt Umber.

The program opened with a warm welcome and prayer from Senior Pastor Jerry Wragg, setting the stage for an amazing evening. The children’s choir, directed by Dan Kreider, Alyssa Benson, and Terri Gravett,  began our evening performing  “The Shepherd’s Watch,” “How Should a King Come,” and “Saw You Never, in the Twilight.” Their youthful voices captured the awe and wonder of Christ’s birth.

Immediately following the kids, Senior Pastor Jerry Wragg delivered a moving solo of “Joy, Joy,” his heartfelt performance reminding the audience of the immense joy found in Christ. Pastor Jerry is a long time musician and usually graces us with a solo every year. This is always a highlight of the night for me as it is evident in every word and expression of his face that his music comes from a deep and profound love for his Savior – something that is actually quite evident in every sermon he preaches.

The orchestra’s rendition of “Carol of the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” featuring violinist Simona Magdales, was spectacular, combining technical mastery with spiritual depth. And if that were not enough, the youth choir brought energy to the evening with their performance of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.” David and Rebekah Febo’s duet, “God of God,” captivated the audience with their stunning harmonies. The chorale performed “My Lord Has Come” with a reverent tone, and Pastor Todd Murray, a gifted musician and songwriter, sang “We Beheld His Glory,” leaving listeners in awe!

The adult choir’s performances of “See, Amid the Winter’s Snow,” “Joy Has Dawned,” and “Worthy Is the Lamb” were powerful and inspiring. In several instances the congregation even got to join along. The quartet’s “The Glorious Impossible” was another standout, blending voices in a harmonious tribute to the miraculous birth of Christ.

And, of course, it would not be GIBC if the scriptures weren’t opened before the evening was done. So with our hearts still filled with the joy of the evening, Pastor Jerry Wragg delivered a brief devotional from John 1, discussing the glory of Christ and reminding attendees of the profound wonder and majesty brought through the first Advent of Christ to mankind. As he prayed to end the devotional, Pastor Jerry asked, “Lord, you have stunned us with your grace and truth…what can we say?” And truly he was right; there are no adequate words to express the gratitude that exists in the hearts of every true believer for everything Christ has done for us.

The evening culminated with a breathtaking rendition of “The Hallelujah Chorus,” bringing the audience to their feet in joyous praise. For those of us fortunate enough to attend—myself included, as a many-time attendee and former participant—it was a night of true worship. Sitting near the front, I felt immersed in the music, as though Heaven had touched Earth and I was sitting inside worship itself. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone, especially those living near Palm Beach County, who haven’t experienced this concert yet to mark their calendars for next year. It is an unforgettable evening of joy, worship, and celebration of our Savior’s birth! All involved in this ministry are to be commended for their faithful service to Christ, but I am sure they would all simply say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10 ESV).

If you have a Facebook account you can still check out the 2024 concert, linked via the image below:

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.

Scripture quotations taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Picture Credit

Violin and Christmas image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay.

The Celebrate the Joy image is a cropped image of the concert’s program, created by Grace Immanuel Bible Church. It is used under the terms of fair use for review purposes only.