Peace. It was the hope for the world before Christ was born, and it is everybody’s prayer today. The story of how four people of God find their personal peace as they await Christ’s birth is told in Parker Memorial Baptist Church’s musical “And on Earth Peace.” It will be presented Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.

The musical drama is written by Randy Vader, Jay Rouse and Rose Aspinall and directed by Lynn Rice. It is acted by members of the church. Music is delivered by the church choir and orchestra. Angela and Mike Dickert narrate.

“The musical tells a beautiful, worshipful account of Jesus and the promised birth,” said Don Gober, minister of music.

Rice believes it also focuses on Biblical moments most people haven’t stopped to think about.

“To me, it shows how the lives in that period of history were impacted,” Rice said.

Truly, the news touched people in different ways. The angel’s news to young Mary before her marriage was both wonderful and terrifying. But she accepted the message, it is written in the Scriptures. In this drama, Mary, played by Jamie Anderson, finds peace — even praise — and is able to set Joseph’s doubts to rest. Joseph, the carpenter, is played by Kevin Anderson.

But what would others think about the angel’s news? According to Mosaic law, an unfaithful betrothed maiden would be stoned to death. Mary and Joseph struggle with what this means to their future as they prepare for the journey to Bethlehem in the “Journey and Prophesies” scene. In the end, Joseph realizes they are blessed by God.

Perhaps Joseph finds it helpful talking to the men of Nazareth (Jake Mathews, Richard Bateman and Greg White) on a hillside about the events of the day.

Simeon and Anna’s reaction to the newborn child provides affirmation that this birth is a divine event. Anna, a prophetess and widow played by Sylvia Malone, is humble but confident of her faith and works in the temple every day. Simeon (Dale Smith) is an aged man who is also in the temple every day, sitting and waiting for Christ to be born. Once he holds the baby in his arms, he finds his peace, Smith said.

“Simeon was the only one who recognized the babe as the Messiah without being told,” Smith said.

And Anna, at age 84, must experience the happiest day in her life when she sees the baby in the temple. But her story doesn’t end there. According to texts, Anna tells the good news to all of Jerusalem.

Everyone is invited to the musical.

Holiday music revue Thursday

The music of the holidays will come to life on stage in “Fa-La-La-La-La,” an evening of song directed by Kim Dobbs on Thursday at Garfrerick’s Café. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Singers Maggie Beam, Caleb Clark, Jeremy Reaves, Angie Robinson, Jason Wright and Jackie Young will perform standard ballads and songs in modern and traditional styles. Also featured is 7-year-old Ramsey Whitney. Music will be performed by Gena Vineyard and Tracy Tyler, with musical direction by Eric Traynor. Tickets are $45 per person. Call 256-831-0044 for reservations.

A good ride

The holiday celebration, with its parties and time with family, makes for a good ride, people say. But a good ride, literally, was had Dec. 8 in downtown Anniston when John Wiggins of W&W Stables in Southside provided a wagon and Clydesdale horse to carry adults and children down Noble Street for pictures and pleasure. He’s provided this kind of old-fashioned Christmas fun for 10 years with an Amish-built carriage that carries 15 people or a wagon that carries six, he said.

The Christmas festivities continue again this Saturday from noon-3 p.m. along Noble Street in downtown Anniston. For details, contact Spirit of Anniston at 256-236-0996 or visit spiritofanniston.com.