The Bahamas Weekly    
The Bahamas Boasts : Grand Bahama : Grand Bahama Labyrinth Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM


Joie de Noel delivers Christmas Spirit to Grand Bahama
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Dec 23, 2010 - 1:47:41 PM

Email this article
 Printer friendly page
JOY_1573-WEB.jpg
The cast of Joie de Noel. Left to Right: Javan Hunt, James Roker, Marjoke Twiest, Dora Brown, Nathaniel Lewis, Dalia Feldman, Anthony Hanna and Jackie Blower. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

Freeport, Bahamas -  Close to one hundred people came out to the Garden of the Groves as the full moon was rising in the sky on December 21st to enjoy and participate in Joie de Noel on and around the Grand Bahama Labyrinth.

Bundled warm on a clear and chilly evening guests were treated to piping hot chocolate with whip cream served by Dalia Feldman's family. Song sheets, candles and Christmas cookies were gratefully received as people sat around the Labyrinth on the park benches. 

JOY_1577-WEB.jpg
A magical setting at Joie de Noel at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth on December 21st. Photo; The Bahamas Weekly

Founder of the Labyrinth, Barbara Chester opened the evening with a heartfelt introduction about the journey that Mary and Joseph made the night the Christ child was born, and how the Labyrinth itself represents that journey. Her story-telling was so enchanting and detailed that one felt as if that night could have been the same night experienced so long ago. She definitely infused the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.

The choral group, led by Marjoke Twiest came silently onto the Labyrinth carrying lit candles as their heavenly voices sang Silent Night. Seasoned professional, Dalia Feldman sang Ave Maria to candlelight with her angelic voice filling the Labyrinth with stillness and anticipation.  A large Acacia tree, deep in the ground on the side of the Labyrinth, was lit to signify the Tree of Christmas, and when done so oohs and aahs were heard from the audience. 

JOY_1552-WEB.jpg
Dalia Feldman sings O Holy Night at Joie De Noel Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

The choral group continued with solo numbers of Christmas classics new and old.  James Roker sang Peace on Earth, followed by Panis Angelicus by Dora Brown, Marjoke Twiest and Javan Hunt.   The strong singing voice of Javan Hunt delivered Mary Did You Know, and after that Marjoke Twiest sang the popular modern song, Where Are You Christmas?  Fourteen year old newcomer Jackie Blower confidently sang I'll Be Home For Christmas

A star was lit signifying the Star of Bethlehem while the choral group sang We Three Kings.  Next the duo of James Roker and Dora Brown delivered a delightfully played out rendition of Baby It's Cold Outside.

JOY_1533-WEB.jpg
14 year old Jackie Blower sings I'll Be Home For Christmas Photo: The Bahamas Weekly

The crowd, eager to light their candles, did so next and the whole area became a magical place of light. The audience was invited to sing Christmas Carols along with the vocalists to complete the evening.  After the carols guests were invited to send their written Christmas wishes to heaven by placing them into a lit urn in the center of the Labyrinth.

Event organizers would like to thank Marjoke Twiest's son Chris, a sound technician visiting from Holland for his assistance, as well as Jerry Hill, who created the star and was responsible for providing the sound and light equipment along with operating the lights for the show.
  The night was a joy to behold!


JOY_1562-WEB.jpg
Javan Hunt sings Mary Did You Know Photo: The Bahamas Weekly



JOY_1578-WEB.jpg
Close to 100 people came out to feel the spirit of Christmas at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth on December 21st. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly



JOY_1558-WEB.jpg
Marjoke Twiest, choral director sings Where Are You Christmas? Photo: The Bahamas Weekly



JOY_1547-WEB.jpg
Dora Brown sings Panis Angelicus Photo: The Bahamas Weekly




Bookmark and Share


© Copyright 2010 by thebahamasweekly.com

Top of Page

Grand Bahama Labyrinth
Latest Headlines
World Labyrinth Day to be commemorated in Grand Bahama, May 5th
(Review) Joie de Noel celebrated the joy of Christmas on the Labyrinth
(Photos) Boxing Day Classical Concert featuring shakuhachi master Elizabeth Reian Bennett
"Joie de Noel" comes to the Labyrinth, December 23rd
Remembrance Day 11.11.11.11 Event to be held on GB Labyrinth
Communication regarding Prayer Walks for healing in Japan and the Pacific
URGENT Call to Prayer from Dr. Masuru Emoto for water of Japan
A Message from JAPAN to Labyrinth Facilitators and Illuminators
Labyrinth walk in prayer for Japan
Grand Bahama Labyrinth to host Healing and Peace Walk for Japan’s victims
Grand Bahama 'meets on the bridge' for International Women's Day
Join Women on the Bridge, March 8th
Marjoke's Local Friends bring Foreign Songs & Dance to Labyrinth Garden Theatre
Join Us on the Garden of the Groves’ Labyrinth and Bridge to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day
Around the World in Song and Dance, February 25th & 26th
Joie de Noel delivers Christmas Spirit to Grand Bahama
Joie de Noel delivers Christmas Spirit to Grand Bahama
Joie de Noël at GB Labyrinth, December 21st
Joie de Vivre opens the Garden Theatre Season with song and dance
'Garden Theatre' to open with Joie de Vivre, November 20th
Peace Walk on the Labyrinth, November 11th
'Moods at Twilight' closes the Labyrinth Garden Theatre Season
Moods at Twilight, May 30th on the GB Labyrinth at Garden of the Groves
Focus 4 A Better Tomorrow - May 29th at Garden of the Groves
Upcoming Events at the Labyrinth
Awards Presentation of the Labyrinth & Garden of the Groves 2nd Annual Junior Photographic Competition
2nd Annual Photographic Competition for Young Persons
Grand Bahama Labyrinth founder receives special gift from local artist
A lovely little Labyrinth story...
Marjoke and Friends lend magic to the Grand Bahama Labyrinth
Labyrinth Garden Theatre presents “An Evening with Marjoke & Friends" - March 6th
Love is in the Air at the Garden of the Groves!
The Circle of Life II a huge success!‏
Circle of Life - January 30th on the Grand Bahama Labyrinth
The Garden of the Groves and Grand Bahama Labyrinth Proudly present An Elden-McGlone Production: Circle of Life
Peace Walk held at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth for Haiti
Global Labyrinth Prayer Walk For Haitian Earthquake Recovery
Christmas Caroling enjoyed on the Labyrinth
Grand Bahama Labyrinth annual Christmas Caroling Party
Remembrance Day 2009 at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth