Have you ever been to a musical production that caused your spirit to soar? The experience was so profound and rich that it left an indelible mark deep within your soul. Well, First Baptist Church Roanoke offers such an experience for the young, as well as the seasoned adult, those searching for hope and individuals wishing to celebrate the Advent season. “A Star City Christmas,” featuring a 30-piece orchestra and 100-voice choir, will be held in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church Roanoke, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, 3 and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Admission is free.
“A Star City Christmas” is a musical dramatization that started out initially as the Christmas Pops, and featured the First Baptist Church orchestra and session singers from Nashville. In its evolution, however, Christmas Pops added a choir. Nevertheless, the presentation is much more than an orchestra playing and a choir singing. Synchronized lighting and live animals are woven into a wonderful story culminating with the birth of the Christ child. “A Star City Christmas” lifts hearts in worship. Marty Hamby, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Roanoke knew “A Star City Christmas” needed to incorporate two essential elements: a manger scene and Magi presenting their gifts to the Christ child. The inspiration for the nativity scene comes from the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The nativity segment has been performed every year consecutively since 1933, says Hamby.
Hamby asserts, “My burden – my heart cry, is to share the good news of the gospel message surrounding the birth of the Christ child!” And, the First Baptist Church Roanoke family puts together a wonderful dramatic presentation. Hamby’s secret formula to the success of the musical production is that he takes a sprinkling of Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and mixes it together adding a dash of fun – all done with the aim of showing the love of Jesus Christ. “We want people to have a good time, and as part of the presentation we present the Gospel – that is what we do,” said Hamby. “Christmas is the one time during the year when families and friends will likely attend church at an invitation extended by a loved one.”
“A Star City Christmas” is a two-hour presentation with a brief intermission. The program commences with the orchestra under the direction of Greg Denton, playing familiar Christmas songs in tandem with synchronized lighting for approximately 25 minutes. New this year is Alvin and the Chipmunks and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch!” Merry Christmas with Love, apiece originally performed by country music artist Clay Aiken, will close out the first half of the musical production.
The second half of the program will feature more choral sacred music, yet with a modern choir sound. Sean Spencer, who is a local community singer, will lead “What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name.” Bryan Smith, Senior Pastor at First Baptist will share the story of the Christ child in the manger to conclude the second half. All of this is preceded by the choral selection This Little Child. Last year 21 people dedicated their lives to Christ at the event. They accepted the offer to become a part of the family of God, said Hamby.
Plans for “A Star City Christmas” rolled out in early fall. This allows adequate time to prepare the music, but plans are enacted all year long. The contract for the camels generally is signed early in the year, Hamby added. Rodney Brooks, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, was the special guest clinician that introduced the music for “A Star City Christmas” 2018 during a retreat held in August. John Cormack from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, worked exclusively with the orchestra. Cormack is the Associate Minister of Music at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville. Although Hamby provides a general overview for the musical production, he does not coordinate all of the elements of the musical presentation. Jerry Causey is directing the drama this year.
“A Star City Christmas” aims to show the love of Jesus Christ at the time of year when people most experience loss, pain and hopelessness. “And he shall be as the light of the morning.” II Samuel 23:4
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