Night Of Joy 2010

Well we did it again.  This is now the sixth consecutive year that I have attended Night of Joy at Disney, Orlando.  Richard has accompanied me for the last five.  We stayed for two nights because Richard decided that the line-up of artists was just too good on both nights.  Who was I to argue?

I have to say that in all the years that I have been this event does not lose its magic and excitement.  I have never been disappointed, even when they took it out of Magic Kingdom for a couple of years and tried it over at MGM Studios.  The artists are always fantastic and the various venues and set ups are just great.

Some of the artists and bands that played for us this year were David Crowder Band, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Sidewalk Prophets, Britt Nicole, Third Day, and Mercy Me.  Now where else can you be entertained by such a galaxy of stars in the space of two nights all in one place.  There were a few more but I didn’t hear them.  That’s probably the only problem – having to choose who to listen to because there are at least two artists/bands playing at the same time in different venues.

For me the best venue is the stage they set up with Cinderella’s castle as the back drop.  At night, with all the changing lights playing on the castle, it is truly a magical atmosphere.  This lends itself really well to the high energy music and the level of audience participation.  Even after six years it never ceases to amaze me that thousands of people travel from all over (and I mean all over the world!) to take part in this Christian event.

The energy that can be felt is very uplifting and I am always struck by the number of young people who are there openly worshipping God.  Hands and hearts are raised during every song.  And then, of course, during some of the more rock-style numbers there’s lots of jumping up and down “for God”. 

I have to say that I think my favorite artist this year was Chris Tomlin whose routine is seamless and very high energy.  He doesn’t falter from song to song and his genuine love of God and desire to worship Him is very clear.  Mercy Me runs a close second and I really like Casting Crowns and Third Day. 

Once again I came away from the experience feeling very uplifted.  Music is a precious gift from God and I love the way these musicians give back to God what He has bestowed upon them.  Here’s looking forward to next year and another soul fulfilling night of joy!