A Seraphic Fire Christmas Delights the Key Biscayne Community

Seraphic Fire performed for a full house at Crossbridge Church in their annual A Seraphic Fire Christmas show (Briana Gibbs/Key News)

It was a full house at Crossbridge Church on Saturday night as Seraphic Fire filled the chapel with their Christmas concert. Attendees were treated to familiar carols such as “I Wonder as I Wander” and “The First Noel”, in addition to less familiar carols like “Fum, Fum, Fum” and “Blessed be that Maid Marie”.

“Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” is a Seraphic Fire tradition, sung every year for their Christmas performances.  The song was brought to the audience, with the singers walking off of the stage to surround the crowd with their voices.

The dynamic repertoire was conducted by Brett Karlin. Karlin has a history with the group, beginning as an assistant conductor for Seraphic Fire ten years ago, and was delighted to return as a guest conductor for the Christmas performances around South Florida this season.

The night culminated in a startling performance of “Silent Night” during which all of the lights in the theater were turned off and the voices of the chorus filled the chapel.  During the decrescendo of the piece, the group left the stage, so their voices carried out softly finishing the carol from backstage. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation after the performance, and Seraphic Fire sang out the crowd with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.

Key resident and Crossbridge Church congregation member Irene Porter said, “I love it and this is my third time at Seraphic Fire,” reflecting a warmth towards this annual tradition echoed throughout the Key Biscayne community.