Still Time to Join In on Holiday Festivities

Many Christmas-related events happen early in the holiday season – many of them closer to Thanksgiving than to Christmas!

Early in December we enjoyed the annual Hark Up musical celebrations, and have seen holiday concerts from national artists such as Point of Grace at Kentwood Community Church and the giant-sized For King & Country extravaganza at Van Andel Arena. (Unfortunately, the Selah concert scheduled for Dec. 9 in Holland had to be postponed until Jan. 14, 2022).

The Master Arts Theatre production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" completed its holiday run before December was half over.

But there are remaining events celebrating the season, including some living nativities. Here's a partial listing, mostly in chronological order:

Embellish – The professional-level handbell ensemble presents "'Tis the Season to Embellish" at 7:30pm Tues. Dec. 14 at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids. (Masks are required for all audience members during the concert). Tickets are $12, group rates available. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2699958893637935 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sidewalk Prophets – The inspirational pop band presents a "Great Big Family Christmas" Wed. Dec. 15 at Allendale High School Ceglarek Fine Arts Center, 10760 68th Ave. Allendale. Tickets are $18 general admission, early entry with devotional by singer Dave Frey $25, VIP Pre-show party $50. The band promises a "surprise or two" during the evening, and the event also helps raise funds for a local charity or individual. Get tickets at www.greatbigfamilychristmas.com

Bradley Sinclair and the Corey Sound Christmas - A "preacher's kid" from Rockford and a recent guest on the morning show at Moody Radio Grand Rapids (89.3FM), Sinclair shares classic Christmas tunes in a jazz-flavored concert alongside the horns and rhythm section of the Corey Sound Christmas at 6:30 and 9pm Dec. 17 at The Listening Room, 123 Ionia Ave. SW, (2nd floor) in downtown Grand Rapids. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required. Doors open at 5:30pm.Tickets $20 general admission, available at www.listeningroomgr.com/shows-events/detail/Bradley-Sinclair-and-The-Corey-Sound?fbclid=IwAR0nYtsxhRvjEcAxRc_Ya0z2K5https://brooksidecrc.org/events/the-nativity-scene-brooksidefaM_3zAIpgq8jK6CF4rbFXXzPVfnGH0KA

Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys – The ensemble presents its 32nd annual "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at 7pm Dec. 17, 18 and 21 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 301 Sheldon SW in downtown Grand Rapids. A free-will offering will be received. Concerts are free; masks are required for those attending. For more information: http://grcmb.org/events/currentseason.html.

"Grace in a Manger" - Christmas Candlelight Worship with music, drama, lyrical dance and visual arts, 6pm Sat. Dec. 18 at 6 pm and 10am and 4pm Sun. Dec. 19 at Magnify Church 6727 Kutshill Dr. NE in Rockford. Childcare provided for ages birth-3. For info www.magnifychurch.org.

Jubal Brass – The instrumental ensemble leads a holiday service of lessons and carols at 6:30pm Sun. Dec. 19 at Ada Christian Reformed Church, 7152 Bradfield SE, Ada. No admission charge. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/867473967256158?ref=newsfeed

"Blue Christmas" Healing Service – This special service remembers those who are struggling with grief, sadness and broken relationships in this holiday season. Together there will be spaces for persons to reflect and ask Jesus to meet them and provide comfort and hope.....a light in the darkness. 7pm Tues. Dec. 21 at All Shores Wesleyan Church, 15550 Cleveland St. Spring Lake. For more info https://www.allshores.org/events-1/blue-christmas-2

Outdoor Carols and Candlelight – This special "Christmas Eve Eve" service is scheduled for 6:30pm Thurs. Dec. 23 at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St. Hudsonville. Grab a chair and blanket and worship with song, prayer, hot chocolate and a short message under a wintry sky. Warming stations and glowsticks for kids! For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/612364643370426?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D

SOME AREA LIVING NATIVITIES

*Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids; 6:30, 7 and 7:30pm Sat. Dec. 18. Live narration and singing around the nativity. Hot chocolate and warm cider served. For more information visit https://brooksidecrc.org/events/the-nativity-scene-brookside.

*Ballard Church of Christ, 1633 10 Mile Rd. NW Sparta; 6:30 – 8pm Dec. 21, 22 and 23.

*Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE Grand Rapids; 5pm Christmas Eve. Outdoor candlelit walk among carolers, animals and the live nativity. Visit https://mayflowerchurch.org/join-us/advent-christmas/

*Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW Wyoming; 5 - 8pm Christmas Eve. Also scheduled is an indoor carol and candlelight service at 6pm. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/446555010185667?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D

AND TO CLOSE OUT 2021......

New Year's Family Celebration - Gull Lake Ministries in Hickory Corners, MI (northeast of Kalamazoo) is hosting a two-night, welcome-to-2022 event. All sorts of family-friendly activities: outdoor zip-lines, indoor rock climbing, glow-bowling, campfires, special guest magician Danny Ray, worship, and a midnight balloon drop. Summertime camp staff on hand. All-inclusive food and program prices including lodging for nights of Dec. 30 and 31. (Prices differ for ages and accommodation levels). More info with video at https://gulllake.org/events/2020-new-years-eve-family-celebration/. Contact www.gulllake.org, or 800-352-2442.