There is a distinctly local angle to tomorrow’s (22 December) Christmas edition of the much loved programme, Songs of Praise, that many people will recognise, as it comes from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Assembly Hall in Belfast.
Around 800 people packed the suitably festive looking city centre venue in November to record Songs of Praise: Big Sing Christmas, which was hosted by Aled Jones.
Together with special guests Katherine Jenkins, G4, Alexis Ffrench and The Lion King star, Shaun Escoffery, the Assembly Hall resounded to the sounds of Christmas favourites ‘Hark The Herald’, ‘O Little Town Of Bethlehem’ and ‘Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas’, just to name a few.
Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr William Henry, who was at the recording said that he was looking forward to seeing it. “At the time, back in November, with the 12 foot Christmas Tree, decorations, more Christmas trees and garlands draped around the hall, it really felt like Christmas had indeed come early!
“Songs of Praise has been a special time of praise and worship enjoyed by a significant number of people for many years. I hope that everyone who watches it, or records it this Sunday, not only enjoys the programme but hears the central message of Christmas, that in the words of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, with the birth of Our Lord Jesus, ‘God and sinners reconciled.’”
Songs of Praise: Big Sing Christmas is on BBC 1, Sunday 22 December at 1.15 pm
Meanwhile on the following Sunday, you can see Big Sing Belfast as Claire McCollum hosts a Big Sing spectacular, which is also from Assembly Hall. With special guest performances from Dana, Margaret Keys and The Priests. Hymns with Irish origins include ‘Be Thou My Vision’ and ‘In Christ Alone’.
You can enjoy Big Sing Belfast on BBC 1, Sunday 29 December at 1.15 pm.
Christmas-Songs-of-Praisse-Assembly-Buildings-2019.4b6c315cc6cb40938f0fbbd51a2c8cf8.jpg
Songs-of-Praise-presenters-Claire-McCollum-Aled-Jones-Rt-Rev-Dr-William-Henry.ea7560aceb4541168f718b2125f5e782.jpg