A not-so silent night in Lincoln City

“It is the season of the heart, a special time of caring, the ways of love made clear.”

“The world is at her best, you know, when people love and care.”

— From “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” with words and music by Paul Williams

It is an amazing time we live in today when all our modern politicians and pundits are not as wise as one single popular puppet. That puppet’s name is “Gonzo,” the mysterious hybrid creature of Jim Henson’s Muppet family, who appears to be a little smarter than all our modern wisemen. 

How so? Gonzo and crew sang the quotes above.  

This is the motivation behind the Christmas Eve celebration “Season of the Heart,” a free community program at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Wednesday, Dec. 24. The evening blends songs of faith with festive favorites and includes complimentary hot chocolate, cider and seasonal treats for guests.

Co-sponsored by Driftwood Fellowship and the Lincoln City Seventh-day Adventist Church, the program is inspired by the simple acts of love that strengthen family, friends and community. Pastor Valerie Kendall returns to direct the celebration for the seventh time, joined for a second year by Dr. Albert Thompson.

Guest artists this year include Irish music duo Nora Sherwood and Gary Burman, Strawberry Charlotte in a mother-daughter duet with Kendall and additional musicians from Kendall’s family. Pastor Bill Mayne will perform “Song of Joseph,” and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by Dr. Phil Mills. Guests will also have chances to sing along during familiar seasonal songs.

Wednesday’s program begins at 5 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are required. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.