The Christmas holiday season is upon us! Once Turkey Day is over, it is all about the Christmas celebrations. Well, allow me to share two churches that have exciting events for you to attend. First, the community and church members are invited to experience “A Miracle on Ninth Street” this Christmas at Shiloh Baptist Church. Join the Shiloh Baptist Church Senior Choir for their annual Christmas outreach celebration, featuring inspiring music and community giving events throughout December.
Featured Event: Handel’s ‘Messiah’ — For the 86th consecutive year, Shiloh presents George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” a cherished tradition showcasing outstanding Black musical talent. This performance is one of the few presentations of “Messiah” performed by a Black church in the Washington metropolitan area.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Featuring: Dr. Thomas Dixon Tyler (conductor), Ronald D. Johnson (assistant conductor), Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, M.M. (organist), and featured soloists Candace Williams (soprano), Imara A. Miles (mezzo-soprano), Mark E. Simons (tenor) and Andrew Smith (bass). The presentation also includes an orchestra ensemble, the Joyce K. Peterson Handbell Ringers, and American Sign Language interpretation.
Ways to Get Involved in the Miracle
The celebration is a key part of Shiloh’s outreach ministry, bringing the church to the community through several initiatives:
– Coat Drive & Basket Distribution: Donate new coats for children and youth, non-perishable food items, or monetary gifts to help fill Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for those in need.
– The Shiloh Angel Tree: Visit the Shiloh Family Life Center to select the name of an elementary school student and provide a special gift from their wish list.
– Christmas Sweater Sunday: Wear your festive best on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the 10 a.m. service.
Shiloh Baptist Church was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1863 by 21 former slaves who traveled from Fredericksburg, Va., under Union Army protection during the Civil War.
Initially meeting in homes and a small L Street building, the church grew into a highly regarded religious institution known for its community outreach, focusing on education and social enrichment. Shiloh became a significant catalyst for racial equality and upward mobility, helping form national civil rights organizations like the NAACP and the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Board.
Early leaders addressed community needs: In 1907, Dr. J. Milton Waldron’s efforts to improve unsanitary alley housing led to the creation of a federal housing authority, a precursor to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 1982, the Rev. Henry C. Gregory established the Shiloh Family Life Center to address various aspects of family well-being, a model that has since spread across the country.
We are pleased to present the inspiring message of Handel’s “Messiah” at a time when many in our community are looking for a spiritual compass. Parking will be limited. Please consider taking a taxi or an Uber and leave the driving and parking to them!
The second exciting event coming up, on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, is hosted by The Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005). They are celebrating the season with the Capital Wind Symphony! This event is in celebration of the 35th anniversary season of the Church of the Epiphany. The community is invited to share in the joy of the holidays with Holiday Fanfares & Flourishes—a festive concert filled with heartwarming music and magical moments!
You are all invited to enjoy timeless holiday favorites including “A Home Alone Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” and, of course, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson! We’re also expecting a very jolly guest straight from the North Pole — so bring your cameras and holiday cheer for a fun surprise the whole family will enjoy!
Save the Date: Dec. 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Tickets on sale now). The event will be held at Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss this joyful celebration as we ring in the season with music, magic and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.