Oakton’s Annual Christmas Festival
Oakton Church was aglow with a brass ensemble, beautiful voices, and precious children as we prepared for the birth of Christ at our Christmas Festival on December 7, 2014.
Upon arrival at the church, much to everyone’s surprise the church parking lot entrance and sidewalks were bright with illuminated candles. The evening started outside with the Comer Brass Ensemble, comprising of Joel, Chandler, Casey, and Cortland. These gifted musicians serenaded us with Christmas carols as we sipped cider and hot chocolate served by Sue Comer and enjoyed the warmth of the “Yule log” prepared by Kenny Judd. This definitely set the tone for a remarkable evening.
The Christmas Festival began with hanging of the greens, a symbol of life and renewal, as we sang Deck the Halls. Many thanks to the following people who beautifully brighten the sanctuary windows with candles, pine, and holly: Bridgette Beach and Karl Wilkerson, Jan Burket and Carol Keirsted, Pearley and Shirley Carr, Edna and Orville Knicely, Bev Levesque and Evelyn Supinger, Amanda Lowe and Kelley Wine, Matt, Leah, and Benjamin Landes, and Karen and Ryan Richardson.
The program continued with “A Christmas Pageant” wonderfully narrated by Miller Kines, Hannah Seidel, and Evan Strong that told the story of the nativity through scripture, song, and pantomime. The talented Oakton children brought the story to life and each did an excellent job of playing their parts. Esri Lowe and Darius Kianersi were Mary and Joseph, respectively, and displayed the reverence of Jesus’ birth as they took their places by the manger. There were a multitude of heavenly angels played by Sary Burket, Hanna Cline, Grace Gill, Kennley Judd, Charlotte Kosek, Ava Lowe, Lydia Richardson, and Joanna Wuhrman, led by Katelyn Judd as Gabriel. The shepherds were Jonah Cline, Donovan Gill, Carter MacKinnon, and Bobby Wuhrman and made us believe they truly were on a hillside that special Christmas night. The majestic Wisemen – Eric Finet, Jack MacKinnon, and Kara Misdom – listened intently to Herod, played by Cyrus Kianersi, and ignored his orders to bring back news of the Christ child.
But what really tied the program together and made for an exceptional evening were the musical talents of many members of our congregation. Rob Powell and John Eddy’s extraordinary renditions of Mary’s Boy Child and O Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem were poignant moments in the program. In addition, Rob and daughter, Olivia sang a verse of O Holy Night, which provided special meaning to the nativity story. Also sharing their lovely voices were Ellie Kosek, Celeste Phillips, Olivia Powell, and Seth Strong singing an a cappella version of What Child is This?. It was a special treat to hear Angels We Have Heard on High played by the bell ensemble. And the final touch was all of the children singing Away in a Manger together.
The evening concluded with the traditional Christmas meal, delicious and beautiful cookies, and lots of fellowship with each other. Thanks to Mary Ellen Judd and Pat and Marvin Reed for your hard work to ensure another fantastic dinner.
A heartfelt thanks to Elliot Phillips, Davin Kines and Landon Kines for their expertise with the lighting; to Kimberly Judd and Missy Burket for assisting with the program; to Michael Judd for being the photographer; to Jan Fischer Bachman for playing the piano and leading the Junior High singers; to Debbie Seidel for directing the children’s choir; to Mary Beth MacKinnon for leading the congregational singing; to Shanna Spangler for operating the sound system; to Pastor Randy for offering the blessing; and to everyone else who worked behind the scenes to make the evening possible and a resounding success. As remarked by many attendees, it truly was a “special” Christmas Festival that opened our hearts to this wonderful season and prepared us for the true meaning of Christmas. May you keep Christmas with you throughout 2015.
Merry Christmas and a Joyous Happy New Year!
Debbie Herring and Kim Ferrari