Slightly more than 2,000 years ago, thousands of people gathered in the little Jewish town of Bethlehem. At the behest of Herod the King, all the Jews were required to register themselves in a census. Among the crowd that thronged the streets of Bethlehem, there was a young man and his heavily-pregnant wife. Historians and the Bible report how this young couple was unable to find a room for themselves and subsequently, in the dark corners of a filthy manger, they became the proud parents of a special baby—the Savior of the world. Little did anyone know back then that the birth of Jesus would evolve to become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world today.

In the 15+ years that City Harvest Church (CHC) has been in existence, it has never failed to put on a great spectacle during its special events. But this year's two-day Christmas celebrations for the church held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium (SIS) were truly nothing short of spectacular.

CHRISTMAS CREATIVITY

As you step into the vast Indoor Stadium for CHC's Christmas Spectacular 2004, the last thing you'd feel is lost. Smiling ushers greet you and direct you to the best available seats. Burly Santas, lithe Santarinas and a host of merry Yuletide characters are also out and about to make everyone feel welcome and at ease.

Having settled in your seat, the first thing that catches your eye is the stage and its elaborate props basking in the orange lights. You see a myriad of ethnic building facades and surmise that these are the sets for the drama item to come. On stage right, occupying a third of the stage space in a recessed area, the music and vocal teams are assembled, ready for action.

In neat rows on two platforms atop either side of the stage stood the choir teams. With a glow on their faces as they perch at their lofty positions, one could easily mistake them for actual heavenly hosts.

The 10,000-plus seat Indoor Stadium is soon full, and the celebration begins with aplomb. Joyous carols and reverent hymns fill the air, turning the venue into a veritable heaven on earth, and the tangible presence of God permeates both hall and hearts.

Praise and worship subside with warm wishes of "Merry Christmas" all round, and newcomers are acknowledged and welcomed with handclaps and handshakes.

The CHC Dance Team then hits the stage with an energetic dance item depicting two clashing gangs who eventually make peace and perform in unison. Fantastic choreography, gravity-defying break dancers and a reconciliatory theme adds up to a great showing of dance at its best. The storyline effectively drives home the message that Jesus came 2,000 years ago to bring peace on earth and goodwill toward men.