New Christmas musical combines old-time favorites, original songs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Kim Noblitt associates Christmas with one thing: worship.

Noblitt, minister of music at First Baptist Church, Euless, Texas, recently completed his third project, "His Kingdom Shall Never End: A Praise and Worship Christmas," for Genevox and LifeWay Christian Resources. Noblitt and the choir from First Baptist Church, Euless will premiere the work Friday night, April 25, at Music California, a gathering of music publishers from across the country.

The musical is based on Luke 1:33 and offers a fresh look at the biblical narrative found in Isaiah and the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John. It combines Christmas favorites with original songs arranged by J. Daniel Smith in a contemporary style Noblitt feels will appeal to many church choirs, and the 59-minute length will appeal to audiences as well.

"'His Kingdom' doesn't focus on a manger but on the fact that Jesus is a king who came to establish a new kingdom," Noblitt said. "It's a reminder that His kingdom shall never end and we aren't of the kingdom of this world, but His kingdom."

Three worship leaders who assume different characters and require no costuming lead the narrations, written by Lawrence Kimbrough. The musical takes the audience on a chronological journey through the Christmas story.

Noblitt says worship music is definitely his passion, and he's enjoyed his relationship working as a songwriter with LifeWay.

"LifeWay's been very good to me," he said. "They've stretched and I'm being stretched. It has been a wonderful experience helping people worship and giving them resources that they can use."

"His Kingdom Shall Never End: A Praise and Worship Christmas," is available for order on lifeway.com.

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