Community ready to sing together

Every year when the sun sets behind the Arden Theatre, people trudge happily through the snow to rejoice in the traditional Community Carol Sing.

As they sky darkens, their hearts lighten and there is a mood of tranquillity and harmony as friends and neighbours join hands in a spiritual quest to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, their saviour.

This year’s 90-minute interdenominational Christmas service takes place tomorrow at 3 p.m. with a roster of readings from Biblical nativity scriptures interspersed by choral singing, soloists and a carol sing led by the June Mann Band.

“It makes you feel closer to God and gives you a better understanding of Christmas. It gives me a feeling of peace and joy,” said organizer Larianne Douville from St. Albert Catholic Parish. Co-organizers are Pastor Connie Lee of Braeside Presbyterian Church and June Mann from Christian Reformed Church.

The celebration centrepiece is a series of Biblical readings performed by Nolan and Irene Gagne heightened by the solo work of Patrick Rose singing O Holy Night and Gesu Bambino.

Customary favourites are the sacred hymns and spiritual choral numbers performed by United Church Choir, Sturgeon Valley Baptist Choir and two choirs from St. Albert Parish — Celebration Singers and the Joyful, Joyful Singers.

This year the United Church tackles The Redeemer Will Come and Calypso Lullaby even as Sturgeon Valley introduces Precious Jesus Saviour and a medley of Oh, Come Little Children and We Fall Down.

The all-woman Celebration Singers performs Your Light Will Come Jerusalem and Glory to God whereas the Joyful, Joyful Singers chant The Huron Carol and Calypso Carol.

Pastor Lee added, “This shows that we can all come together for this event. That it overcomes barriers and boundaries is exciting to see.”