EVERETT — Bearing down on the shortest day of the year, they came to bring music and light.
The Rev. Kathy Jo Kahn, a pastor at Everett’s Grapevine Ecclesia, led on vocals and piano for Sunday’s performance of “The Nativity Story by Candlelight.”
A rhythm section, harmonica player and narrators helped illuminate the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.
“This is a singalong, this is a stand-up, sit-down-and-enjoy-yourself,” Kahn said, before launching her band, Tears of Praise, into “Come All Ye Faithful.”
Sunday night’s concert echoed through the former Everett Mall movie theater now run by the Snohomish County Music Project.
Kahn said the goal was to have an inclusive atmosphere. At least four churches helped pull it off.
This was the sixth year of the Nativity performances.
“This is the biggest one,” Kahn said.
Earlier that week, Kahn had taken the show to a senior center and recovery programs in Marysville, south Everett and Tulalip.
The music evoked the Holy Land when Jesus Christ was born more than 2,000 years ago.
Two narrators, including retiring Everett Municipal Judge David Mitchell, filled in gaps in the story line.
Kahn and company sang traditional tunes including “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “The First Noel.” Church members played the Wise Men, giving tribute to Baby Jesus.
As the band broke into “Silent Night,” an usher walked the aisles handing out electric candles.
“Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light.”
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
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