Celebrating Christmas 2024: A light-filled celebration of good news

Major Julian Watchorn reports on the territorial carol concert.

With carol medleys ‘Christmas Presence’ offered by the International Staff Band and ‘The Triumph of the Skies’ from the International Staff Songsters still ringing in their ears, the congregation were welcomed to this year’s territorial carol concert by Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main.

Commissioner Paul set the theme of the concert, saying: ‘Christmas is a time of light. The everlasting light coming to Earth to dispel the darkness, to bring hope and the promise of peace.’

The opportunity to sing carols in such an iconic venue is part of the joy of this annual event and the congregation were in good voice for the first carol, ‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’, introduced by a trumpet fanfare.

The Salvation Army Big Band returned by popular demand, sharing a contemporary rendition of Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’.

This lively number sat in contrast to the gentle tones of ‘Lux Aurumque’, brought by the ISS, which is based on a Latin poem that translates as ‘Light, warm and heavy as pure gold, and the angels sing softly to the newborn babe.'

Readings from Judy Cornwell, Jack Dee, Sally Dexter and Paul Burrell affirmed the context of the evening, interweaving beautifully the Christmas story from Scripture between congregational carols and musical items.

Carols included favourites such as ‘The First Nowell’, ‘Joy to the World!’, ‘A Starry Night’ and ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.

Guest soloists Belinda Gifford-Guy (2023 BBC Young Chorister of the Year) and Anais Spencer (New Addington) brought an enchanting performance of ‘Nella Fantasia’. The Italian lyrics, set to the theme from The Mission by Ennio Morricone, spoke of a dream of a brighter world.

The Salvation Army Big Band, comprising members from across the territory, raised the roof with a catchy version of ‘Feliz Navidad’, which had people dancing in the aisles.

The mood changed again as the ISB brought the reflective piece ‘Everlasting Light’, followed by the ISS, who sang ‘The Quiet Heart’.

The work of the Army’s Homelessness Services was spotlighted, specifically the work of Tŷ Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff.

Two heart-warming video clips introduced several individuals who have been helped by the centre, before Major John Stark, the Lifehouse’s chaplain, was interviewed by Commissioner Paul, giving insight into his work and ministry.

Vocal group Una Voce and the Salvation Army Big Band shared an engaging version of ‘This Little Light of Mine’, before Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main brought the message for the evening.

Illustrated with examples of where darkness can seem overwhelming and where light can seem in short supply or insufficient, Commissioner Jenine spoke confidently of the everlasting light that God sent into the world through Jesus. 

She emphasised how the light gives us confidence to walk through life without fear, illuminates the path before us, brings hope when we are enveloped in hopelessness, guides us to freedom when we feel trapped in, leads us out of despair, and enables us to step out and live in truth and honesty.

‘Three Kings Swing’ and ‘Celebrate the Child Who Is the Light’ were delivered by the ISB and ISS with style to warm appreciation and engagement.

Anais and Khaim Spencer (New Addington) brought ‘Little Did They Know’, a composition they had written for the occasion. It told the story of the Nativity from the viewpoint of those involved.

The finale saw a Nativity scene brought to the stage to the combined sounds of ‘Angels, from the Realms of Glory’ from all participants. This spectacle was a powerful visual presentation of the gospel.

No carol concert would be complete without ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, which concluded this celebration of God’s everlasting light.