She announces to Joseph that she is to bear GodÕs Son.
Destiny Rayne opens the five hours of music, dance and pageantry in CNTB 2018.
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
The green guy is not amused . . .
Christmas Near the Beach 2018 featured Many but ONE, a ballet troupe and dance school in Boca Raton, Florida.
As night falls, a large teddy bear on the stage takes on a magical hue . . .
. . . a soul on trial for her life . . .
Gabriel encourages her . . .
Santa hams it up for the camera. 🙂
I was privileged to be given such access to the festival — I was even allowed on the stage for reverse shots like this.
A family waits for the show to start.
. . . even leaping for joy.
Destiny Rayne’s bassist tunes his instrument. I got on my knees to get this angle. 🙂
Members of Destiny Rayne’s band do a sound check.
He then joins the dance and embraces the day … and one of the dancers. 🙂
DJ Mr. E is hard to get in a candid shot. He always knows where the camera is. 🙂
Jeff Maldonado sings and plays lead guitar for Peace Fighter.
A member of Many but ONE gets some Grinchy makeup.
. . . and thank God for their deliverance.
“Hug her like you mean it!” I said. Sure enough, the girl came through for me. 🙂
A singer with Sensere gives it up for the gospel.
Dr. E whips up some enthusiasm from the crowd . . .
Children of Many but ONE sing about Christmas.
As the kids dance . . .
Pastor Al Pino of Palm Vista Community Church, Miami Lakes, gives a short message on the meaning of Christmas.
Mary dances with the daughters of Israel . . .
A family waits for the show to start.
. . . for Santa’s arrival, in a classic T-Bird.
. . . and as Christ, who secures her pardon.
Kids get into the groove.
He even scowls amid the festivities.
. . . and the Wise Men offering gifts to the Christ Child.
A rosy sunset joins the crowd in greeting Santa.
. . . and gives the first gift of the season to the Holy Family.
The women cry out for freedom from sin and its price.
Blue-gowned dancers dance to a soulful version of Joy to the World.
Sean Olivera leads kids in some hip-hop, a role he’ll fill two or three times over the night.
. . . but he checks out the story for himself . . .
One last shot: Deena with her husband, Mickey. She gathers the talent for CNTB, while he helps with the organization and financing. This is the twelfth time they’ve put together this beautiful Christmas gift for South Florida.
The choir of First Presbyterian Church invites children from the audience to help sing Silent Night.
And the audience vigorously follows along.
Then he sings a carol honoring the Christ Child.
Festival organizer Deena McDaniel discusses the show with Andrew Curran, who will play Santa.
. . . as sax master Jesse Jones Jr. and his friend, guest trombonist Charlie, play together.
Some of the Many but ONE company dance a parody of Dr. Seuss’ book “The Grinch That Stole Christmas.”
Jesse is at the leading edge of a jazz revival in South Florida.
Grinchy glares from his mountain.
Deena and three friends form a dance quartet.
. . . as Sean leaps from the stage for some close-up dancing.
Deena performs a narrated mime in three roles, as a satanic accuser . . .
The dancers celebrate the story.
Gravelly voiced Dale Powers plays keyboard . . .
Angels dance with Mary.
A dad twirls his little girl.
Children check out the nativity story in the Bible.
. . . as does a Christmas tree.
Deena and a friend help Sean lead dancing.
Joseph rejects her in disbelief . . .
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
Many but ONE has talented dancers in a range of ages.
Women in brown outfits perform as the Children of Israel.
. . . then confirms MaryÕs destiny to Joseph.
Reassured, he accepts Mary.
Angels surround and adore the Baby Jesus . . .
The newly freed soul rejoices.
They look forward to deliverance by a Messiah.
Santa returns once more to lead the crowd in Silent Night, using their cellphones as candles.
. . . causing her to break down in grief.
The drumline of Chaminade-Madonna High School gets everyone’s attention . . .
Sensere merges gospel with Motown-era soul.
Check out their shirts: “God, Family & the Band.” Great riorities.
A crowd member gets into the dance.
Christine Maldonado sings with Peace Fighter, a favorite band at CNTB.
The singers really seem to feel the message themselves.
Santa takes the stage . . .