Southern Territory to Premiere Virtual Christmas Concert
The powerful ministry of music and arts persists throughout the year in The Salvation Army, but the Christmas season is often specially marked by the presence of familiar carols reminding us of vivid memories alongside friends and family. On Friday, December 6, a first-of-its-kind initiative titled “Star of Wonder” will premiere from The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory in video form.
The video, which will be sharable to anyone, features contributions from the Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM), and transMission. In addition, Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, will present a devotional thought to poignantly bring the sights and sounds together around the powerful reason for the season.
“This will be the premiere of Salvation Army music streamed at Christmas time from the Southern Territory,” says Commissioner Kelly Igleheart. “You will want to mark your calendars and prepare your hearts for the sound of the Newborn King!”
While the incredibly busy nature of the Christmas season for officers, soldiers, and volunteers of The Salvation Army can make it difficult to gather for an in-person event, this virtual concert can be utilized to bring individuals and families together in their own communities. Commissioner Igleheart believes this can become a tradition with resonance around the globe. Asked what his hope is for this resource, Commissioner Igleheart shared his desire “to know that family and friends can gather around each other and hear again about the love of God. And to know that there will be listeners who desperately need to hear that Jesus came to save them and that He loves them still.”
“We think this can be an encouragement to the territory during what is always a busy season,” says Josh Powell, territorial contemporary music specialist and a producer on the project. “We can’t all be together, but we’re always thinking of each other, and we can spread some cheer through music and arts.”
The Southern Staff Band will minister with “The Shining Star” and “Manger Scene (Away in a Manger),” while the Southern Staff Songsters sing “Hark (Glory To God).” transMission will perform the title song “Star of Wonder,” in addition to “Rejoice,” which centers on the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” TAM will share “A Shepherd Remembers,” featuring Michael Harris, and Bethany Farrell, territorial creative arts director, will share a poignant passage of scripture from Matthew 1:18-23 (TLB).
“The Christmas season seems to open the hearts of everyone and prepare the way for hope,” Commissioner Igleheart says. “It is the season that recalls our memories of childhood, special family gatherings, and carols that stand the test of time.”
“The Salvation Army is an integral part of these traditions, and we need to continually establish these annually. What better way to recall the birth of our Savior than to hear The Salvation Army band and carolers sing about His coming to earth as a baby in a manger?”
The YouTube Video for “Star of Wonder” can be found here and viewers are encouraged to share this resource with friends, co-workers, community partners, and family members. We look forward to a wonderful time together with a message of hope and peace shared in music and in word.