Join us as we "turn back the clock" to a time long before the first Christmas. Journey through time as ancient holy men prophesy the coming of a Savior to God's faithful people. Listen! God's promise of a Messiah is about to be fulfilled!

As the clock ticks and the years pass, we hear the stories of Isaiah and Zechariah. We watch with amazement as the old, childless couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, are blessed with the birth of their son, John. We gaze in wonder upon the scene as Mary receives the news that she is chosen to carry God's Son into the world. And we look with tenderness upon the manger scene, as Jesus, the Messiah, is born in a humble cattle stall in Bethlehem.

Filled with charming and humorous arrangements of familiar carols, hymns and classical melodies, 'Twas the Year Before Christmas is the perfect choice for church children's choirs, Christian schools or Sunday schools. It features simple narration, dialog and speaking roles for 10 to 12 people and is approximately 20 minutes long.

Flexible and easy to teach, this delightful unison / optional 2-part musical offers both fully supportive keyboard accompaniment and a full performance / accompaniment compact disc recording. Money-saving Preview Packs featuring 1 Singer's Edition and a Listening CD provide handy rehearsal aids for home rehearsal. The Director's Score includes keyboard accompaniment, costuming, prop and staging suggestions, dialog and vocals. The Singer's Edition features vocals, narration and dialog.