By Jack Redmond, Online Church Director, Christ Church
We just celebrated a four-night series of “The Night Before Christmas” concert with over 900 people attending our final night. Both the concert and the unity of getting together brought joy to our hearts!
Moving Back Towards “Normal”
No, things are not totally “back to normal,” but wow did it feel good to have a night together as a church family and broader community to celebrate this Christmas season! While we still had to work toward creating a safe environment so that all felt comfortable, via social distancing, masks, etc., it was all worth it.
This year was extra special since it’s been a couple years since we have been able to go full speed with this event. Our annual Christmas Concert at Christ Church is not only one of the highlights of our local church calendar, but it’s also a regional favorite for our communities in Montclair and Rockaway, NJ, as well as surrounding areas. If you missed the concert, we would love to share it with you. You can view it on our YouTube channel @ChristChurchUSA.
From hymns to traditional Christmas songs and from classic to contemporary, our musicians, singers, dancers and even acrobats both entertained, and led us in times of worship.
The Power of Online Services & Events
In addition to the great live experience, we were able to stream the concert with over 4,500 online views throughout NJ, the USA and even overseas. Though times have been tough, we have learned to utilize the Internet to connect, reach and serve others. This concert demonstrates both the power of in-person and online church services and events.
Souls Reached
People are hungry to connect with Jesus and we saw God move powerfully with over 150 people making decisions to follow Christ—with more than 80 in person and almost 70 online! If you desire to connect with Jesus in a meaningful way, or know others who you would love to see walking with Jesus, we hope this Christmas concert, which included a strong and clear gospel presentation, can help people connect with Him!
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). —Matthew 1:22-23
Be encouraged! We hope you are back attending your local church. If you are not able to, please take advantage of online services available. But either way, know that Jesus is “with you!”
Jack Redmond is an author and speaker, who also serves as the Online Church Director at Christ Church.