CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 2025

THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES

"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and BRIARWOOD lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be into joy."

CHRISTMAS sorrowful, but your sorrow will turnJohn 16:20

THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES This theme of this year’s Christmas Performance comes from the classic hymn O Holy Night. The phrase “the weary world rejoices” brings up the beautiful paradox at the heart of the Christmas story, showing how deep weariness and deep wonder can stand side by side, how heaviness can give way to hope, and how silence can turn to song.

Christmas does not ignore the world’s uncertainty or longing; it meets them with the joy of Christ’s arrival, a joy not dependent on circumstances.

Tonight’s performance blends that tension and that hope, inviting you to glimpse the light that still breaks into darkness and the joy that rises even in the midst of waiting.

O HOLY NIGHT LYRICS 1 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

O night divine! O night, O night divine!

2 Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, there came the wise men from Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.

Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

3 Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!

His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

01

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;

“THE STAR”

by Kenley Sanders

it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.

02 “Light of the World” by Annie Damron

“LITTLE LIGHT, BIG PERSPECTIVE”

BY GRAHAM AILSWORTH Today the world changed, I know it for sure The night was so quiet, so peaceful, so pure I felt the wind, something shifted The world received a present, we were all gifted I was just a little star, shining ever so bright But how beautiful it was that Silent Night The world stopped spinning, then the night went quiet I was up in the sky looking right down by it A beautiful baby is what I saw Twinkling up high, I watched in awe I was just a little star, shining ever so bright But how beautiful it was that Silent Night In the distance I heard a beautiful sound I think they were rejoicing, “The King has come down” The shepherds came to see bringing their sheep Who thought a king would be born while everyone was asleep I was just a little star, shining ever so bright But how beautiful it was that Silent Night Up in the sky it was the best sight ever Knowing this King’s love would never severe I knew this night was important but I didn’t know how Until I understood, our Savior was born now I was just a little star, shining ever so bright But how beautiful it was that Silent Night

“Light of the World” by Sasha Munikar

03

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

LONG LAY THE WORLD

“Be Not Afraid” by Case Morgan

“Away in a Manger” by Taylor Forrester

till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

04

“GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY”

by Greta Dickinson

05

A Thrill of Hope, the weary world rejoices,

A THRILL OF HOPE “The Word Became Flesh”

by Hailee Brock

06

for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

“The Day Will Come”

by Allie Hale

Oh COME Skeptic and Hopeless COME Desperate unNoticed COME See what the Lord has Done COME Wounded Misfits, Oh COME You’ve Been Equipped, So TRUST Trust that The Day Will Come

“This Little Light”

by Julia Thompson

07

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

“I HAVE WITNESSED SOMETHING GREAT”

BY EMMA ANN JAHRAUS

“The Sacrificial Lamb” by Paige Wilson

Dearest wife, I have witnessed the most beautiful and significant event of our time. People will speak of it for years and even centuries to come. The Messiah was born in Bethlehem.

My fellow shepherds and I were watching over the flocks, and a multitude of angels came down from the heavens and started speaking to us. It informed us about the birth of the Messiah, and we unanimously decided to find this baby.

When we arrived at the site of the King, it was humble and nothing compared to what an earthly king would be housed in. He looked so peaceful and innocent. He caused a few of us to weep at the mere sight of him. I just know he is the Messiah. I could just tell by looking at him and seeing his angelic smile. The angels were right, this babe is something to behold.

My love, I’m not asking you to understand what I mean by anything I’ve said, but I would ask that you trust me. This little babe is the Messiah that we have been reading about for years.

All my love, The Shepherd “Angel” by Zoey Eighmy

O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

08

“THE NIGHT I CARRIED A KING” “Angel of the Lord” by Whit Parsons

Dear child,

BY SARAH WOLF

I have served your family faithfully for years, and though my coat grows gray and my bones old, one night is pierced in my memory. The night was cold, but the stars were bright, one much more than the others. On my back your mother rode through the night, weary from a long journey. Your father walked, leading me through the dark streets. Worry lined his face.

We walked from house to house, and each time was the same. Doors would open, a person’s head would shake, and we would move on to the next one. I know not what was said, only that your father’s worry grew as time passed.

Finally, it was time for you to come into the world. We had time only to find a stable. You were placed in a manger, cushioned by hay meant for the animals of the place. That night was like no other. Men of great honor came into that humble stable, just to see you and bring gifts. Shepherds left their sheep to come as well, prompted by angels of the Most High.

Unknown to the rest of the world, the savior of all mankind lay in the stable that night. You. Though my time here is coming to an end, I believe my life has been spent the best that it could, serving you.

“Bringing the Good News” by Catherine Monasterio

Sincerely, Donkey

09

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

“LIGHT OF THE

WORLD”

“THE ONE WHO LIT THE FLAME”

BY ISABELLA MARINO Sitting there all alone A candle with a Light that is constantly shone Even in a weary world the Flame still burns Patiently waiting for Him to return The candle lifts up it’s Flame Honoring His holy name He who eradicates all that is vain A promise whispers in the air It is a constant reminder that He is still there His presence turns my Light to gold For the sake of The One for which we yearn For the sound of the trumpets that will signify His return

“Light of the World” by Anna Danley

with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

10

“A CARPENTER’S

CRADLE”

by Molly Rowell

You find me in pieces Broken and battered.

I am scattered and sparse Possibly in countless boxes.

I could be wooden, I could be plastic, I could be glass, I could even be a few stray parts.

“The Light of the World” by Ann Tatum Baker

As long as I am here, My center of attention: A tiny swaddle bathed in joy.

He is gazed upon by far and many Lay in a manger Peaceful and tranquil.

11

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

“THE GUIDING LIGHT ABOVE”

BY SAM MIXON

“Star of Light” by Alexis Carter

Wise Men,

Wise men, magi, and astrologers of the east, we have indeed seen the divine light you speak of. Our sheep have seen it with us, not one of them has missed it. Throughout all of our hills, there is truly nowhere guarded from the light. And like you, we came to this same divine realization.

Indeed, this could only be a thing of glory. A thing more vast and more glorious than anything of this world.

Indeed, the differences between us are clear, but nevertheless, this sign of divinity is all encompassing. It is calling us to unify within Bethlehem. Just as you proudly travel there in fine garments, we too travel in our worn rags. As you carry your distinguished gifts to the king, we carry our canes, and we lead our flocks with us on this divine path.

Rejoice! Rejoice indeed!

Grace and Peace, Shepherds “Fear Not” by Campbell Crowe

there came the wise men from Orient land.

“Three Faithful Men” by Landry Boyd

“THE GUIDING LIGHT ABOVE”

BY SAM MIXON

We humble Magi, simply the three wisest of astrologers in the east, have seen what shines above. Just as you faithfully watch your livestock, we watch the stars above us. We first saw the great light whilst gazing up deeply, and we knew, as you all no doubt also know, the truth it was declaring to us all. Divine! Divine indeed!

Dear Shepherds, O shepherds! O shepherds of the vast lands of Bethlehem!

We have written to you now for divine reasons. Divine reasons regarding the abundant call above. No doubt you have all seen it, and seen it clear. No man throughout the lands would miss it. The bright, abundant, guiding star of heaven pours down to us from the darkened night skies.

12

And now, the brightest, abundant, majestic guiding star in the sky is bringing us together from all the land. We three travel there now, bearing gifts of pride and beauty to bestow upon this newborn divine king. We ask you, no matter the many differences between us, follow this holy guiding path, same as us now. Follow it! Follow it to this true king and meet us there with Him! Truly, this is more vast than any of us! Rejoice!

Grace and Peace, Wise Men

“Wise Men” by Caleigh Buchina

The bright star of glory filling the night sky is leading us all to something of majesty. In Bethlehem, a king is given. A king has come to us in a time of weariness.

“Three Wise Men” by Abbie Wright

13

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;

“Praise Forever to the King of Kings” by Livi Reebals

“WEAKEST CRY AND STRONGEST WORD”

By Kris Farley A fragile cry beneath a watching star, The smallest sound splitting the dark, Yet, at its call the mountains move The ocean's waves split far apart.

What kings proclaim with trumpets With gold, with fear, with praise.

Is declared now with a feeble cry The Ancient of our Days.

The Star above, shining bright Watching with patient eyes, Sees he who will Dethrone Kings A child of weakest cry.

“Baby Jesus” by Parker Daniels

in all our trials born to be our friend.

14

“BEAUTY IN OUR TEARS”

BY OLIVIA CHANG

15

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.

“HE IS THE LIGHT”

BY CAROLINE HALE

Behold young King; before Him lowly bend!

16

“The Illuminating Child”

By Eli Thompson

Dirty sheep’s eyes sulk in the dark night Weary shepherds stumble from their bruises The woman whimpering without a mother’s hand The man shaking as he is rejected by society What is this?

Beauty descending A world so dark, is finally earning Its beautiful light The dirty spots are cleansed they turn white from the light Shepherds wounds are healed by the warmth of light The woman is comforted by the soft hand of the light The man’s heart calms as his child laughs beams of light The sheep marvel at this child’s radiance The shepherds kneel towards the strengthful babe The woman laughs with tears of bright joy The man shelters the illuminating child As the baby cries people gather all around They cover their eyes they bow and rejoice at the child, His light evaporates all darkness in people’s hearts Behold, the light of the world the hope for all mankind

17

Truly He taught us to love one another;

“A Light in Bethlehem”

by Julie Roberts

18

PRINCE OF PEACE

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

“Peace Surpassing” by Sophia Stubbs

“THE SUMMONING OF PEACE”

BY MATTHEW HESS Like a dove brings peace, so does the birth of Christ.

The journey is long and burdensome and rough and treacherous.

The birth of Christ brought peace to the land, And rid the world from sin and death.

When Peace was born, Sin was put to death.

The summoning of peace, of love, of life, Came from an uneasy and painful and unpeaceful birth.

Peace may not be the first of words to describe the birth of Christ, But it is the eternal answer.

“Prince of Peace” by Elizabeth Archer

19

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

“Jesus in the Manger”

by Copeland Holley

“Sleepers in the Dark”

By Abigail Dickinson

The night was silent, only an animal stirring No hope, only grief and mourning Wind rustles hay on the stable floor Silence was ended with a knock on a door All he had was the stable For there was no room in the inn A light shone through the night Hope flickers within Awakened dust fills the air Bring the weary world its king The virgin begins to prepare The world curiously awakens everywhere His infant cry pierces through the night Awake ye hopeless sleepers The weary world rejoices For it has found its Everlasting Light

and in His name all oppression shall cease.

20

“A CLOSED DOOR, A HEART OPENED”

BY GRACE GARRETT Dear Mary and Joseph, I pray this humble letter finds thee in the Lord’s favor. These past nights I have lain awake, my thoughts wandering as a shepherd upon the hills, unable to find rest. The Child you brought forth is surely but a gift most holy, bestowed upon us graciously by the Almighty. For He is, as the prophets declared, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

How marvelous that One so perfect should enter a world so fallen, lest He came from the heights of Heaven itself, sent forth by the Lord of Hosts. I rejoice in His blessed name, and I beseech thee to grant forgiveness unto me, for I knew not the glory that dwelt among you. Had I known, there would have been neither delay nor the slightest measure of hesitation in granting shelter to thee.

May He be a lamp unto thy feet, and a light unto thy path.

In Sincerity, A Fellow Innkeeper

“Baby Jesus” by EK Barrow

“Sacrificial Lamb” by Anne Louise Miller

21

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

“OUR TRUE SHEPHERD”

By Ayla Widmer

let all within us praise His holy name.

22

SWEET HYMNS OF JOY

“Hark the Harold”

by Millie Jackson

“Angels We Have Heard on High”

by Mary Marley Noe

23

Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!

“The King of Kings” by Savannah Ailsworth “Empty Tomb” by Sarah Travis

“Empty Tomb” by Ainsley Wiggins

“Bread of Life” by Saylor Eighmy

His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

24

“AWAY IN THE MANGER”

BY MAGARET LLOYD

25

His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

“THE COMING KING”

BY HARPER WINTER

Thank you for supporting the Arts!!

Academy Friends The Duncan Family The Drescher Family The Giles Family Randy Pate

Fine Arts Friends The Cox Family The Knowlton Family The Checka Family The Talley Family Rachelle Shealy Kate Albright Logan and Alieta Casey

Academy Grandparents Club Dave and Betsy Cooper The Archer Family Barbara Bowers John Tinney The Romono Family Cheka Family Jeff and JoAnne Young Scott and Teresa Casey (Donors at the time of print)

Friends of the

Fine Arts Briarwood Christian Fine Arts Academy is excited to introduce the Friends of the Fine Arts membership club! This initiative plays a crucial role by supporting our Fine Arts program, fostering the creativity and talents of our students through Band, Choir, Visual Arts, Theater, Media Arts, and more. We warmly invite you to explore our membership levels, which will enable you to make a meaningful impact on by enriching these programs.

By joining us, you’ll become part of a vibrant community that promotes the arts as a way to glorify God. Your gifts will help provide scholarships, offset programming costs, support special projects, and supply necessary equipment. We would be honored to have you as a member and partner in our mission to inspire young artists for the glory of God. Your support will be instrumental in advancing this mission, and we are truly grateful for your involvement.

For more information on how you can become a part of this exciting initiative, please scan the QR code here!

With gratitude,

The Fine Artss Team and Students, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

— 1 Peter 4:10

“Rejoicing Angels”

by Sophia Lear (Cover Art)