That is the title of our newest offering - Journey to the Birth of Jesus! It is a cantata/musical for the Christmas season, and its premiere will be on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 10:00 AM. The location is Madeira Silverwood Church, 8000 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The story begins with the words of God spoken by the prophet Malichi. Malichi was the final prophet until the arrival of John the Baptist. Between Malichi and John the Baptist, there was a period of silence--about 400 years worth--where God did not speak through the prophets at all.
The story then, through music, depicts the birth of John the Baptist, and goes into the detail of Joseph and Mary, his betrothed. Joseph did not have relations with Mary, yet it became clear that Mary was with Child. Joseph struggles with this, and the Bible teaches us that he did not want shame to come upon Mary, so he considers breaking up with her. In a dream, however, angels tell him to proceed with his betrothed, and that she will bear a Son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel, or "God with us."
The following scenes show the necessity of making the ten day trip to Bethlehem. The secular reasoning is that Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone needed to be registered with the government according to the place where their family originated. Joseph's family, in the lineage of King David, originated in Bethlehem of Judea. Biblically, however, Bethlehem was spoken by the prophet Micah to be the place where the Messiah will be born. Was it just a coincidence or did God have something to do with it?
Joseph was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. Mary was chosen by God to be the earthly mother of Jesus. Why? Joseph was a carpenter, and as such he would have the ability to find creative ways to solve problems. He found a way to get himself, and 8.5 month pregnant wife to Bethlehem after an arduous ten day journey. Mary was chosen because she was pure, and faithful follower of God despite the 400 years of silence.
When the couple gets to the inn at Bethlehem, they find the innkeeper who tells them, "Sorry, there is no room for you here." Mary is soon to give birth, and she and Joseph plead with the innkeeper for help. The innkeeper finally says that there is a stable in the yard, and they can use that in lieu of a room. While in the stable, Jesus is born.
An angel notifies the shepherds who were in the field that the Messiah has been born and is in a stable in Bethlehem. A quick review of what took place ensues, with "Once in Royal David's City" and "The Word Became Flesh" preceding the final celebration.
The work includes a narrator, soloists, the characters of Joseph, Mary, Caesar, Elizabeth, and the Innkeeper. Accompanied by a professional orchestra, and under the direction of the composer, this musical is sure to delight!