Christmas Cantata blasts off in front of 1100 at Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theater

Houston, TX—On October 7, Gracias Christmas Cantata kick-started the Texas leg of its 2013 Tour in Houston. Home to NASA Space Center, Houston is perhaps most famous for putting the first man on the moon with its historic Apollo 11 launch in July of 1967.

Guests with red Christmas Cantata tickets and brochures in hand were seen filing into Houston’s Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theater more than an hour before the start. Judging from the expressions on their faces, most were curious as to what the Cantata performance would bring.

Parents with children in hand, friends with other friends, mothers and daughters in matching dresses, young men to grandfathers with canes, people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures were seen seated and eagerly awaiting the first stage. The hearts of the performers and staff were aflutter with anticipation after seeing the capacity crowd of 1100 enter the performance hall.

Stafford Mayor Leonard Scacella also paid a special visit to the Christmas Cantata. “I just witnessed the best performance from Gracias Choir. There are no other words to describe it. The overflowing energy of the Choir was just tremendous. Thank you so much for bringing this performance to Houston. It’s the best gift our citizens could have asked for. I hope that you come back next year so we can meet again,” said the mayor in a message.

Pastor Terry Henderson of the Good News New York Church delivered the words of John 5 about the man with the 38-year infirmity and tied it to the true meaning of Christmas. Pastor Henderson spoke about how the sick man could not overcome his limits on his own. Jesus was the only one who could heal him. The same way, we are not able to free ourselves from a dirty heart of sin, but Jesus has already washed us clean.

The entire crowd gasped in awe as the curtain rose on Act 3 after the Cantata Message. The lights glowed on a perfectly coordinate troupe of red Santa dresses and white dapper tuxedoes worn by a group of smiling, singing faces. It was the perfect representation of Gracias Choir.

Everyone rose to his or her feet once “Hallelujah” began. It was clear that the audience felt the presence of God “Bravo!” they screamed, applauding and hollering.

“I’m a father of seven. My first daughter had the opportunity to volunteer for Cantata. She played an angel. She does ballet and volunteering for this performance gave her so much happiness. It was really good that I could ‘witness’ the birth of Jesus through the Cantata, too. I hope my daughter can stay involved with this organization and that this performance is made known to more people.”

-Gabor Vecseri Father of a Christmas Cantata volunteer

“Tonight was the first time meeting Gracias Choir for me. I fell into their realistic acting and beautiful voices on stage. I especially liked Act 1 when Christ was born. Just like the gift giver has more joy and expectations than the one who receives it, I realize now that God is so happy when we receive the heart of Jesus.”

-Berenice Nodrow University of Houston

God had prepared so much fruit to be reaped in Houston. The mayor, the sponsors, everyone expressed their thankfulness for Christmas Cantata and requested Gracias Choir return next year. The glory of God and the true Gospel is alive in the music and we have no choice but to revere it.

Tomorrow is the 10th stop of this amazing tour: San Antonio, TX.