On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December, we were able to gather in the beautiful Grote Kerk of Schiedam — in the days leading up to Christmas, a season of expectation, stillness, and hope. In that centuries-old space, we began in silence, with the prayer that carried the entire evening:
“Jesus, be born in our hearts today and every day.”

Throughout the music, the longing of Advent could be heard: that Christ was not only born once in Bethlehem, but that He also desires to come today — personally, near, in the heart of each of us. From the cry for light in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” through prophecy and jubilation, to the wonder of the Christmas story from Luke 2. In the song “Noël,” that wonder was sung boldly and confessionally: “Love incarnate, love divine.” Eternal love takes on a face in Christ, born as a Child. That love reveals itself and resounds: a star goes before, angels proclaim the message — and call us to kneel in worship: “Bow to Babe on bended knee, the Savior of humanity.” This beautiful song told the story of an unfathomable love: the Light of the world, given for us.

That grandeur found an intimate counterpart in “In the Stable of My Heart.” Here, the Christmas story became personal and close. Christ does not only wish to come to a stable of wood and straw, but also to the dark, sinful, vulnerable stable of our own hearts. It is precisely there that He desires to kindle His light, to touch brokenness, and to bring love where we ourselves fall short.

And so, together with shepherds and angels, we were able to end at the manger, in wonder and adoration. For this Child was born to suffer, to save, to give life — and He shall reign forever.

We are grateful to everyone who shared these evenings with us — listeners, musicians, and choir members — and we pray that these concerts have been a blessing, for you and for ourselves. May the Light of the world, given for us, be born in our hearts today and every day anew.

This beautiful photo report was made by Bastiaan Stolk. Many more photos of this concert can be found on our Facebook page.