According to all the advertising, we are now in the midst of
the
”
Christmas Season.
”
(Actually, the traditional Christian calendar refers to the four
weeks preceding Christmas Day as
”
Advent,
”
a period of introspective preparation for the Nativity.)
According to all the advertising, we are now in the midst of the “Christmas Season.” (Actually, the traditional Christian calendar refers to the four weeks preceding Christmas Day as “Advent,” a period of introspective preparation for the Nativity.) But whatever one chooses to call it, this is certainly a time full of opportunities to acknowledge the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
n The annual South Valley Community Christmas Concert will be held Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. in Morgan Hill’s St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, 17400 Peak Ave. (408-779-3959). This free evening of inspiring holiday music began two decades ago as a performance put on by choirs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As word spread, members of other faith traditions began to attend. For the past several years it has become even more of a community event as St. Catherine Church became the cosponsor of this holiday gift to local residents.
Among the varied groups participating are Zion Youth Choir (with members from Morgan Hill and South San Jose), The Suzuki String Academy, the Gilroy High School Chamber Singers, the L.D.S. Choir, Green Fountain Studio Performers and three choirs from St. Catherine (Phil-Am, Celebration, and Children’s).
n St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 651 Broadway, Gilroy, (408-842-4415) is sponsoring two free Christmas concerts.
On Dec. 1, Martha Becker, a singer who has participated in U.S.O. tours to entertain servicemen and women, will perform at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to hear favorite seasonal music and share refreshments. Other musicians are invited to join with her that evening. Come hear “Silent Night” in its original German lyrics.
On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. the church will present “Songs of Celebration and Expectation.” This eclectic evening will feature a variety of music with guitars, bells and other instruments. The audience is invited to sing along with old favorites. Refreshments will be provided at this holiday fellowship event.
n West Hills Community Church, 16695 DeWitt Ave., Morgan Hill, (408-779-0697) offers two productions.
On Dec. 2 at 4 and 6 p.m. the Children’s Choir will present he musical “The Mystery of the Manger” about an investigative reporter who “wants the facts” about the birth of Jesus.
The West Hills adult choir will present a concert, “Agnus Dei: Lamb of God Born to Us,” on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 and 6:30 p.m.
n A bit farther away is the annual presentation of “Bethlehem: Walk Through the Christmas Story” presented by Santa Clara First Baptist Church, 3111 Benton St. (408-241-7635).
This pageant, running from Dec. 6 though 10, recreates Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth through five 30-minute performances beginning at 6:30 each evening. This free event allows visitors to experience biblical Bethlehem, complete with mounted Roman soldiers, camels, donkeys and villagers in period costumes. There are also interactive exhibits like wine-making, bread-baking and basket-weaving. The climax occurs on a stage with Mary, Joseph, angels, the Wisemen, the Star of Bethlehem and familiar Christmas carols.
n Even farther away, but worth the effort to visit, is the twentieth annual Christmas Crèche Exhibit sponsored by the Menlo Park Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8565 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto (650-856-3781). Open from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 through 5, this event displays more than 500 nativity scenes from 65 countries, crafted in an amazing variety of materials. There are also concerts, puppet shows, and artist presentations, all free of admission charge.
n Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., is offering a special service for those who find Christmas difficult for any reason. “Light in the Midst of Darkness” will be held Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
For those feeling sadness, stress or grief at Christmastime, this service has been created to offer a time and space to acknowledge losses, shadows and darkness in life. The gathering will emphasize candles to light in memory of an important event or person from one’s life. Soft Taize music, dimmed lights, a circle of tenderhearted people will offer a time of reflection, meditation and quieting of body, soul and spirit. To learn more about this evening of music, poetry and prayer, part of Advent’s healing and reconciling ministry, call (408) 779-3551.
