The SongWalk Ensemble Presents: "Welcome Christmas In"
For the Imagination
Imagine what the audience is experiencing. They are listening to music of various styles: ballads, rock, gospel, jazz, salsa, and folk. They are seeing the introduction of a white poinsettia, then a red poinsettia, and then hundreds of poinsettias. They go home with one. They experience many metaphors reflecting current-day societal challenges: poverty, immigration, consumerism, and the Internet. Without even noticing, they are seeing the Scriptures come alive (The Infancy Narrative in the Gospel of Luke). They are invited by the cast to get involved and are sent out singing. They experience indifference, calling, mission, courage, the power of women, and the supporting role of men. They feel longing, fulfillment, response, hospitality, and joy. They are sent to be the voices for the good and are called to be the good.
For the Season
“Welcome Christmas In” is a holiday musical (for Advent/Christmas) focused on the primary characters in the Infancy Narrative of Luke (Lk 1:5-2:52). It features three Acts of sentimental ballads and lively songs. The production is instructional and inspirational engaging children, adults, and families in the scriptural account of the birth of Christ and of common and not-so-common prayers and liturgical practices. The three-act play is also an invitation to society in our hyper-novel and fast-paced lives to focus as did Simeon, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and John the Baptist, on “the coming of the Lord.” It’s an event for the holiday season with a lifelong impact on faith-formation.
For the Ages
Immigration, the poor, engagement in religion, conscience, calling, journey, societal indifference, social justice, liturgy, commitments, family, advocacy, and courage. Never before has it been so important for us to reflect on our commitments to those we do and do not know. This is a theatrical and teaching experience packed with metaphor; a falling society, a border wall, the wisdom of the poor, Black Friday, social media, the strength of women, light and darkness, inclusion and exclusion, hubris, fidelity, covenant and promise. “Welcome Christmas In” artfully wakes us up to key dynamics occurring today, yet recycle every generation. Its compelling story is set in biblical Israel, or is that San Diego, London, Pittsburgh or is that Bethlehem? Is this 2 BCE or 2025? With deep references in Scripture, and liturgy, this multi-styled and engaging production has us asking how we respond to call, how we see the poor, how we celebrate transcendence and annually, how we prepare for the holiday that celebrates the coming of Goodness. Leaving this performance, all will realize, “It’s our time Bethlehem, to welcome Christmas in.”
For The Parish
2025 - 2027 Seasons - The Concert
The SongWalk Ensemble presents the music of "Welcome Christmas In."
- Four vibrant vocalists
- Bass, Guitar, Percussion, and Keyboard Accompaniment
- Sound and Lighting
- Narrative Teaching and Story
- Catechetical Booklets for Small Groups
90 Minutes - One Intermission
For The Renewal of Faith
2025 - 2027 Seasons - The Concert
Welcome Christmas In
(The Infancy Narrative; Luke 1:5-2:52)
Cry of Simeon
Advent Four
Black Friday
No Room
Behold the Story
Ready, Get Ready
The Annunciation
La Magnificada
Elizabeth
Canticle of Zechariah
INTERMISSION
They Sang Glory
Gospel Blessing
The Supper
In Joyful Hope
Ite Missa Est
Prepare Ye
Canticle of Simeon
Welcome Christmas In
Move from your head to your heart!
Join us on an 8-week journey sharing movements from Pope Francis' latest Encyclical, "Dilexit Nos" (He Loved Us). Embrace how the heart calls us to love in this Jubilee Year of Hope and in every day of the year.