12/23/06 :: An Irish Christmas in Florida
Orlando, FL >> On December 1, Metro Life Church hosted Irish singers and songwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty for an unforgettable evening of Christmas music and worship with a Celtic flare. Metro Life’s Debbie Walter sent us the story (plus photos)…
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The stage was set, the 70-member choir was in place, the musicians from several Florida churches were ready, the speckled blue lights were dimmed, and the spotlight shone downward as the Gettys began their musical testimony. Keith played the piano and Kristyn sang as the two shared God’s amazing love in song about a world in desperate need of a Savior. Appropriately, the first song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” drew our focus upward to God coming to us in human form.
The evening included duets by Kristyn Getty and Vikki Cook, a children’s choir led by Todd Twining (Metro Life Church), classical guitarist James Tschannen from Sovereign Grace Church (Titusville, FL), violinist Rachel Folmsbee from Sovereign Grace Church (Daytona Beach), several musicians from Metro Life Church, as well as an audience that participated with percussion sounds by jingling their car keys.
Kristyn shared an Irish Blessing, and a hush swept through the auditorium. It was obvious with every note that the Gettys are extremely gifted in their musical and vocal talents, yet their music points the hearers not to their gifts, but to the Giver of all gifts, including the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.
The evening ended with everyone joining in the Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.” This drew our gaze outward as we embraced the call to pursue the lost with the hope of the gospel, found in a lowly manger in Bethlehem.
Todd prayed, “May we never lose the wonder of the person, Jesus Christ!”
It is Christmas time, and although Floridians lack the snow, the Gettys provided a rich reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
