Christmas With The Tabernacle Choir

[Orchestral Music] Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice!

Rejoice!

Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel [Music] O come O bright and Morning Star And bring us comfort from afar Dispel the shadows of the night And turn our darkness into light Rejoice!

Rejoice!

Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel O Come!

O Come!

Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel Emmanuel [Bells & Chime] [Drums & Music] Twas midnight in the stable When little Jesus came And Mary, she was ready to welcome him by name The shepherds and the babe, the Magi, and the King The maidens and the Bridegroom Did worship him and sing We do not know the hour We do not know the day But let us all be ready in every Christmas way [Music] And Mary wrapped the babe And laid Him in the hay And Joseph gazed in wonder That blessed Christmas Day The shepherds and the babe The magi and the king The maidens and the Bridegroom Did worship him and sing We do not know the hour We do not know the day But let us all be ready Be ready come what may [Music] Ahhh Ahhh And now the sun is setting How soon he will be here Behold, he's in the offing And quickly He'll appear Then take a lamp to greet Him And precious oil bring And come O come adore Him Emmanuel and King The shepherds and the babe The Magi and the King The maidens and the Bridegroom Did worship Him and sing We do not know the hour We do not know the day But let us all be ready With lamps to light the way Ahhh Ahhh Oh let us all be ready To welcome Him again And sing His praise forever Forever and amen Amen Amen Amen Ahhhhh men Ever and Amen [Applause] [Applause] [Music] ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Broadway star and Tony Award winner Ruthie Ann Miles [Music] Hark!

The Herald angels sing!

Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark, the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King [Orchestra Music] Hail the heaven born prince of peace Hail the son of righteousness Light and life to all he brings Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King [Applause] Thank you.

Thank you very, very much.

It is an absolute thrill of my life to be here.

Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.

I am deeply honored to be sharing the stage with you.

You know, all through my childhood years growing up, my mom was the church pianist and choir director at our church.

And believe it or not, I was her very free and available and not at all against my will assistant.

[Laughter] Well, many a Saturday night we spent making copies of the sheet music that we would sing and rehearse on Sundays.

And of course, nothing could compare to the music of Christmas.

My family, and of course my mother is here to share this evening with us.

[Applause] Thank you.

Ina, thank you for teaching me and showing me how to feel music.

But how could you possibly know that you are helping prepare me for this?

Thank you Mom.

Well, like I said, Christmas music has been always very personal and special to us.

And one of the carols that I have always loved, that has always touched my heart, is set to an American poem by Phillips Brooks.

It is a reminder that Christ the Child was a gift to all of us, [Music] and that Christmas is the opportunity to receive that gift, to love him and to share his love with the world.

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light The hopes and fears Of all the years Are met in thee tonight [Music] For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep The angels keep Their watch of wand'ring love O morning stars together Proclaim his holy birth And praises sing to God and King And peace to men on earth [Music] How silently, how silently That wondrous gift is given So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heav'n No ear may hear his coming But In this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him still The dear Christ enters in Where meek souls will receive him still The dear Christ enters in [Music] Christ enters in [Applause] [Music] Welcome, welcome Christmas morning Warm the hearth and greet the sun Cast away all grief and sorrow For a new day has begun Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels sang that holy night Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring to us Thy pure Christmas light [Music] Welcome, welcome Christmas morning Gather round the living tree Giving gifts as we've been given Breath of life Abundant free Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels sang that holy night Sing we now O child of Wonder Bring us to thy pure Christmas light [Music] Welcome, welcome Christmas morning Lay the table for a feast Of the milk and honey promised To the greatest and the least Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels sang that holy night Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light [Music] Welcome, welcome Christmas morning See the Son arise for you From the manger to the garden His love eternal true Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels sang that holy night Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light [Music] Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light Thy light Thy light Bring to us Thy pure Christmas light Dong,dong dong dong Dum dum dum ding dong ding dong ding dong ding dong ding dong ding Dum dum dum ding dong ding dong ding dong ding dong ding dong ding [Lyrics repeat through song] Dong ding ding dong ding ding dong ding dong dong ding dong ding ding dong ding ding dong ding ding ding ding ding ding ding [Lyrics repeat] Ding ding Ding ding [Orchestral Music] All the bells on Earth are ringing Pealing songs of Christmas cheer Welcome, welcome Christmas morning.

Singing joy throughout the year Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels sang that holy night Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light [Music] Sing we now O Child of Wonder Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light Thy light Thy light Bring us to Thy pure Christmas light [Applause] [Orchestral Music] [Joy To The World] [Applause] [Music] Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, Please welcome back Ruthie Ann Miles.

[Applause] Choir: Bom bom bom bom Choir: Bom bom bom bom [Music] It's the spirit of the season You can feel it in the air You can hear it if you listen everywhere So much care.

Like a prayer Whatever it is, you need to share it [Choir] It's the spirit of the season You can hear it in the air People smile as they pass you by The day will be here soon Dreams are dancing in the children's eyes Hearts are singing.

Bells are ringing too Choir: It's the spirit of the season Filling hearts with loving care Like a shining star it glistens everywhere Feel it there, Like a prayer Whatever it is, you need to share it It's the spirit of the season It's the spirit of the season [Orchestral Music] Snow is falling as you rush downtown The city seems to glow Laughter mixes with the happy sounds Hearts are singing.

Bells are ringing too It's the spirit of the season Filling hearts with love and care Like a shining star.

It glistens everywhere Feel it there Like a prayer Whatever it is you need to share it It's the spirit of the season You can hear it in the air [Music] [Soft Orchestral Music] Children sleeping Snow is softly falling Dreams are calling Like bells in the distance We were dreamers Not so long ago But one by one we All had to grow up When it seems the magic slipped away We find it all again on Christmas Day Believe in what your heart is saying Hear the melody it's playing There's no time to waste There's so much to celebrate Believe in what you feel inside And give your dreams the wings to fly You have everything you need if you just believe Trains move quickly To their journey's end Destinations are where we begin again Ships go sailing Far across the sea Trusting star light to get where they need to be When it seems that we have lost our way We find ourselves again on Christmas Day Believe in what your heart is saying Hear the melody that's playing There's no time to waste There's so much to celebrate Believe in what you feel inside And give your dreams the wings to fly You have everything you need If you just believe Choir: If you just believe If you just believe If you just believe Choir: Bom bom bom bom Choir: It's the spirit of the season Filling hearts with loving care Like a shining star it glistens everywhere Feel it there Like a prayer Whatever it is, you need to share it Choir: It's the spirit of the season If you just believe Choir: You can hear it in the air If you just Believe [Applause] [Music] Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia Amen [Music] Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia [Music] Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah, Hallelujah, For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah, Hallelujah For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth Hallelujah The kingdom of this world Is become The kingdom of our Lord And of His Christ.

And of His Christ And he shall reign for ever and ever And he shall reign for ever and ever And he shall reign for ever and ever And he shall reign for ever and ever King of kings For ever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah And Lord of lords For ever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah King of kings For ever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah And Lord of lords For ever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah King of kings For ever and ever, hallelujah, hallelujah And Lord of lords King of Kings And Lord of lords And He shall reign, And He shall reign And he shall reign for ever and ever King of kings For ever and ever And Lord of lords Hallelujah, hallelujah And He shall reign for ever and ever King of kings And Lord of lords King of kings And Lord of lords And He shall reign for ever and ever For ever and ever For ever and ever Hallelujah, hallelujah hallelujah, hallelujah Hallelujah [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome star of film and television, Mr.

Dennis Haysbert.

[Applause] [Music] Hello, everyone, and Merry Christmas.

It's really good to be here tonight with you.

And Choir, Orchestra, Bells, trumpets.

On behalf of all of us.

Thank you.

[Applause] These volunteer musicians are known all over the world.

And yet tonight they are all ours.

[Applause] You know, for over 20 years, the choir's annual Christmas concert has featured a holiday story.

And tonight is no exception.

But this story is special.

It is an account of a real family, a large family, a family that's growing every day.

We hope it will bless you and your family this season and all year through.

[Music] Oh-aye, Oh-aye Oh-aye, Oh-aye Oh-aye, Oh-aye Oh-aye, Oh-aye [Music] Over 2000 years ago, under the stars near Bethlehem shepherds watched over their flock by night.

This Christmas, those stars will be shining over Kenya.

There in the serene haven of Delaney certain shepherds will be watching over a special kind of flock.

They will be watching over children.

Hundreds of them.

The same will be true across Kenya and Tanzania.

Flocks of children, thousands of them sleeping safely in heavenly peace.

But 70 years ago, in the village of Kangundo, that was not the experience for a little boy named Charles Mulli.

With sunlight streaming through the thatched roof of their one room hut, Charles woke to find his family gone.

His parents, desperately poor and mired in debt, had taken his younger siblings and fled into the night.

Charles, being the eldest, was left to take care of himself.

He was six.

[Music] In that moment, Charles became one of 100,000 orphans across Kenya, a number that has grown to over 3.5 million today.

Many lived in city slums.

[Music] 1 in 5 perished.

Before their fifth birthday.

[Music] For most of the ten years.

Charles was homeless.

Though relatives tried to take him in.

It was never for long.

He loved learning, but he was constantly in and out of school, begging for food by day, sleeping in the streets at night.

Oh, man.

At the age of 16, trapped between a debilitating past and a hopeless future, Charles lost the will to live.

But then he had an experience that changed him forever.

[Music] As if by divine plan, Charles was invited to church.

There he learned about the child in Bethlehem, born to give his life so that every boy and girl, every person in the world, could be healed and made whole.

Now when he heard the words, God loves you, well, he knew he wasn't alone.

There was a good shepherd and he was calling.

In that moment, Charles committed his life to answering that call.

[Music] With hope and a sense of purpose.

Charles walked three days to Nairobi in search of a job.

Miraculously, a kindly woman took him in as a houseboy.

Charles worked hard washing clothes, cutting grass and mopping floors.

Within six months, the woman's husband found Charles a position as a field clerk.

Eventually, he was managing hundreds of farm workers.

In this role, he met Esther, A gifted young woman with an infectious smile.

They fell in love, married and welcomed their first child.

For Charles, life was unfolding one miracle after another.

[Music] Eager to provide for his growing family, he converted his car to a taxi, acquired a fleet of busses, and founded a transportation company.

Business boomed.

Operations expanded to include selling auto parts, real estate, insurance and more.

Within a few years, Charles had an empire of businesses, including the monopoly on oil and gas in eastern Kenya.

The homeless, hapless boy from Kangundo Have become an international business executive, a leader in his community and a minister in his local congregation.

Meanwhile, Charles, Esther and their eight children were living in truly contented life, a life he could never have imagined.

A big house, multiple cars, drivers, fine foods, excellent schools.

But then once again, Charles had an experience that changed him.

One day, while driving to the city, street children guided him to a parking space and asked him for money because he didn't have time to buy them food.

He turned them away and when he came back, his car was stolen.

Now that was a jolt.

But not because he lost his car.

For three years.

Charles couldn't shake the memory of those children and millions like them.

He knew firsthand the hunger in their bellies and the fear in their hearts.

As his compassion grew, his interest in business waned.

Finally, on a long drive to nowhere, he pulled his car off off the road to wrestle with God.

What do you want me to do?

He prayed.

You gave me everything.

Do you want me to give it back now?

After hours of struggle, he surrendered.

Use me.

In that moment.

Charles felt God's love.

Once again, the shepherd was calling him with joy.

He would follow.

[Music] That night at dinner.

He announced to his family that he would be rescuing children.

Children as vulnerable as he had been.

I'm selling all our businesses, all our properties, he said.

We will never work for money again.

Esther and the children were startled and confused.

What did this mean?

They couldn't imagine.

Back to the streets.

Charles went into the slums.

Night after night, risking his life to venture under buildings, into alleyways, behind dumpsters.

And with the reach of an upturned hand, he gently called into the darkness.

Oh-aye Oh-aye Slowly, cautiously, one child emerged, then another.

That first night, a month before Christmas in 1989, Charles carried three little ones over the threshold of their home.

Esther fed and bathed them and tucked them in to the first beds they had ever known.

The next night there were more.

And still more after that.

And so it began.

Silent night.

Holy night All is calm.

All is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Within a short time, the Mulli household was overrun with newcomers and the Mulli children struggling to adapt.

Their new brothers and sisters were unruly, jumping on the beds, running through the hallways.

Lice and disease were commonplace.

Beds had to be given up, clothing shared meals were reduced to the most basic food.

The house itself had to be remodeled.

In time, the backyard was turned to classrooms, workshops, dormitories, and a chapel.

Soon the school was established and programs put into place.

The entire effort was just a seed, but once it was planted.

How quickly it grew.

As of this year, more than 30,000 children and youth have been rescued, nurtured, taught and prepared for life.

Most have gone on to advance education, stable jobs and meaningful contributions in their families, communities and nation.

But none of this captures the unreserved joy of children and youth who finally become part of a flock, a fold, a family once abandoned and alone.

They are now immediately surrounded by their peers who understand and accept them [Singing] side by side.

They study, work, sing, dance, play and pray together, all in the light of love and faith and belonging.

[Music] Charles and Esther, now in their 70s, continue giving vision and leadership to what some call the largest and possibly one of the happiest families in the world.

The Mully children's family.

The Mulli siblings help oversee the large operation, but they are not the only ones who call Charles daddy.

Generations of rescued children and youth regard him as their father, with the scriptures describe as a father to the fatherless.

This Christmas, Charles and others will go out looking for children without homes, which reminds us that Christmas is the season for shepherds for all who seek out the lost and lonely.

And when we find them in our families, among our friends, and throughout our communities, we will find the Christ child himself.

And he'll be calling as he always has.

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of God's children, ye have done it unto me.

The stars that once shone near Bethlehem are still shining over Kenya and Tanzania.

They shine over us as well.

Which reminds us that Christmas is not just a story of long ago.

It is here and now, unfolding wherever God's children may be found.

May shepherding them be our work this year.

May loving them be our joy this Christmas.

Oh-aye Oh-aye Silent night.

Holy night.

Son of God.

Love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord at thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth At Thy birth At Thy birth [Applause] [Applause] Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Now, remember when I told you that tonight's story was special?

Well, here's one of the reasons why.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming all the way from Kenya, Africa.

Doctor Charles Mulli.

[Applause] [Applause] Welcome, Doctor Mulli.

Thank you so much, Dennis.

It is an honor to be here today.

We are so grateful to learn about what you have done for the children of Kenya and Tanzania.

It has been a privilege, And I would like to say that we are just one of many, many organizations helping children in Africa and around the world.

I have to tell you.

Every time I read this.

So many are making a difference.

But let's note that your service has been somewhat unusual.

Those might wonder, why did you decide to give up your businesses when you could have kept them running and then donate the profits?

That is a very good question.

We all have to do what we feel convicted and called to do by God.

For me, the question was what did God want me to do.

I had a deep conviction to sell all my businesses, but it is just as important to do small things like say hello to a stranger, be a friend, visit someone who is ill, and help a child with a school work.

When you see the children that you've rescued, now generations of them, how do you feel?

First and foremost, Humbled.

Thankful.

I believe that God wants us all to love and serve others, and I am very grateful for the opportunities he has given me.

In my experience, that is the real joy of Christmas.

Sharing God's love in all ways He inspires to do.

[Applause] [Music] What shall we give To the Babe in the manger What shall we offer The child in the stall Incense and spices and gold we've aplenty Are these the gifts for the King of us all Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan [Music} [Music} What shall we give To the Boy in the temple What shall we offer The Man by the sea Palms at His feet And hosannas uprising Are these for Him Who will carry the tree Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan [Music] What shall we give To the Lamb who was offered Rising the third day And shedding His love Tears for His mercy We'll weep at the manger Bathing the Infant Come down from above Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Ahhh, Ahhh Ahhh, Ahhh Ahhh, Ahhh Ahhh, Ahhh [Music] Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan, Tam patan [Music] And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, and all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished, that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you.

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

Angels from the realms of glory.

Wing your flight over all the earth.

Ye who sang creation story now proclaim Messiah's birth Gloria In excelsis Deo Gloria In excelsis Deo [Music] Shepherds in the field abiding Watching o'er your flocks by night God with man is now residing.

Yonder shines the Infant Light Gloria In excelsis Deo Gloria In excelsis Deo Sages leave your contemplations Brighter visions beam afar Seek the great Desire of Nations.

Ye have seen his natal star Gloria In excelsis Deo Gloria In excelsis Deo Saints before the altar bending Watching long in hope and fear Suddenly the Lord descending In His temple shall appear Though an infant now we view him He shall fill his Father's throne Gather all the nations to him Every knee shall then bow down Gloria In excelsis Deo Gloria In excelsis Deo [Music] Gloria Deo [Applause] [Music] Gloria In excelsis Deo Gloria In excelsis Deo [Music] Gloria Deo [Applause] GBH Music ID BYU TV Music ID