The Key to Holiday Joy part 7

Hannah ended the song beautifully, tears ran down her face, she felt like the most blessed woman on earth to have such great kids and supportive parents. Rachel and Milton looked at each other in amazement, they stood to their feet as everyone gave Hannah a standing ovation.  It had been years since they'd heard their daughter sing that way.  They could not contain the tears of joy that kept rolling down their faces; they missed her.

The last song of the night was "Joy to the World."  The town's youth had prepared a silent performance for this song. The choir didn't know what it was going to look like, they were anxious to find out. 

As the song began women dressed with white dresses and golden sashes around their waist,danced down each aisle waving colorful streamers attached to wands.  Hannah had a perfect view standing in the front row on stage.  The bright lights, the women dancing and the joyous music made her smile with excitement.

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

 As the women danced their way to the back around the outer aisles,  the men came down the center aisles throwing confetti to the audience.  There was an indescribable feeling of joy and ambiance of celebration. 

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

As the men made their way to the back through the outer aisles, a group of children dressed up as angels came down the center aisles. The gold hems of their clothing and the glitter of  their wings glistened as they walked. In their hand they each held a gift.   

From behind the choir, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus made their way to the front of the stage. The children placed their gifts along the edge of the stage and remained facing baby Jesus. 

     

All four aisles became filled with the women and the men coming forward with gifts.  They placed the gifts on

the stage and remained facing baby Jesus.  With powerful voices and with their hands lifted high they joined the choir and sang. A magnificent energy of worship filled the air. There wasn't a person that could remain seated.  Everyone stood to their feet, raised their hands and sang along. Hannah felt a soft, gentle breeze caress her, she fell on her knees in reverence, recognizing the caring, loving touch of God.  When the Choir director noticed her on the floor surrendering to worship, he motioned for the music to stop.  Hannah got on her knees, looked up to the heavens and with arms stretched out high she sang acapella....   

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Hannah ended the song and stayed prostrated in God's presence. The praises would not seize, tears of joy were seen in every one's face. Some people were clapping, some were laughing but everyone was feeling the freedom that can only come through genuine praise.  

A midst the great crowd some bells were heard, making his way through was Santa Clause... in his hand he held a beautiful crown.   He made his way onto the stage. Kneeling before baby Jesus with a loud voice he proclaimed. 

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!