Musical couple the Gettys send out special Christmas message to fans ahead of gospel concert in Belfast
Northern Ireland husband and wife gospel singer-songwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty will convey their appealing Christmas musical message at concerts in three United Kingdom venues over the coming fortnight.
The couple, who now reside with their four young daughters in Nashville, Tennessee, will be joined by a large team of singers and instrumentalists at the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow on Wednesday December 17; Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday December 19, and the SSE Arena, Belfast on Monday December 22.
Keith, a Lisburn man, and Kristyn, from Newtownabbey, sent a message this week ahead of their three UK appearances, asking those planning to attend what they describe as "highly significant" events to pray for a successful inspirational outcome. The couple make regular visits to Northern Ireland for concerts and family reunions.
Keith and Kristyn are best known for their 2001 million-selling hymn 'In Christ Alone'. Other well-known hymns in the Getty music catalogue include 'Rejoice, 'The Lord Almighty Reigns', 'His Mercy Is More', 'He Will Hold Me Fast', 'The Power of the Cross', and 'The Lord Is My Salvation' The Gettys have recorded 26 albums and been nominated for a Grammy award, as well as winning two Dove gospel awards.
Christianity Today organisation named the Getty couple "pre-eminent" hymn writers who have "changed the way evangelical Christians worship". The couple run Getty Music in the United States, a record label/publishing company and an education unit for developing hymn writers and worship leaders.
This week the couple declared: "Pray for everyone who comes to the three UK events to be confronted by the reality of the Lord Jesus. From choir members to audiences we are expecting, more than 15,000 people in total. Many of the greatest carols came out of a heart-cry at critical times — from 'Come Thou Long Expected Jesus' to 'Thou Who Was Rich Beyond All Splendour' to 'Silent Night', and even the 'Festival of Nine Lessons'. We consider this upcoming tour to be a significant moment, with the sense of quiet revival in the UK, and the hunger for creativity in the wider British Christian church all coinciding with finally having the opportunity to bring these Christmas events to the nation.
"Pray for the global reach of the livestream on December 19. This year’s broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London is expected to have the widest reach yet, with previous years reaching more than 100 countries across the globe. Pray that it will be used this Christmas to bring hope, joy, and peace to many."
Keith and Kristyn added: "Pray as the hymnal goes to the UK for its planting as a resource, that many individuals, families, and church leaders will connect with it and use it as a springboard for deeper and richer Christian worship and witness."