December is here, and with it the sense of joy that comes with the holiday spirit of Christmas.

A popular song that is often sung at this time is Joy to the World, and this year that title is being brought to life — bringing depth, drama, and a call to action — with the original production Joy to the World: The Great Controversy Between Good and Evil, written by Dana Lightbourne and directed by Joelle Williams.

This independently produced show consists of a non-denominational choir and cast and is being brought to the public by lay members who have a passion for Christ, ministry, and the arts. All are welcome to experience this production on December 20, with a curtain call at 5pm at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium. Admission is free.

Joy to the World: The Great Controversy Between Good and Evil follows a narrative told through the eyes of two angels — one faithful and one fallen.

Ms Lightbourne discussed what led her to use this creative angle, how the production came to be, and what she hopes the audience understands through their perspectives.

“In December 2024, I received a call from Michael Spenser asking if I would write something for an island-wide musical,” Ms Lightbourne said. “While we were still on the phone, the storyline began forming in my mind.

“Life is filled with choices. Anyone can look back and identify a single choice that changed everything. Many of us are always just one decision away from a completely different path.

“Highlighting the great controversy through the perspectives of two angels felt like a powerful way to show the weight and consequence of choice. Lucifer had a choice and made the wrong one. I hope that, through these two contrasting perspectives, the audience is reminded that our decisions matter.”

Once the script was completed, Ms Lightbourne approached Joelle Williams to coach the actors and direct the production. The inspiration to present the Great Controversy through music and drama — and the conviction that its themes are both unique and timely — was shared between them.

Remembering the moment she received the script and knew the production needed to happen, Ms Williams said: “When Dana sent me the script, I couldn’t help but get excited. I felt in my gut that we just had to do it!

“I encouraged her to stick with her vision because I believe it’s truly a masterpiece. My job has been to help bring her incredible ideas to life, and I’m just so grateful for the chance to do that.”

She added: “We live in a time when the battle between good and evil is clear, and I think it’s vital to tell this story right now. The world really needs to hear this message, and I felt this production was something we had to make happen.”

This musical aims to strike a balance between scripture, drama, and gospel music to help audiences emotionally connect with the conflict between good and evil.

Ms Lightbourne explained how she tried to achieve the balance. “This musical is built on the foundation of scripture,” she said.

“As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, ‘All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.’ Every scene in this musical is rooted in the Bible.

“From there, drama and gospel music help bring the story to life. These elements combined allow the audience to not just hear the message, but to feel it.

“God gave something pure and beautiful in the gift of His Son, and although the enemy constantly tries to distort what God originally made good, we refuse to let him overshadow the message.

“Especially now, we feel called to refocus on truth. We will embrace every opportunity to share with anyone willing to listen that Jesus came, and He is coming again.

“By blending scripture with drama and gospel music, we hope that audiences not only understand the conflict between good and evil but also experience the story in a way that reaches the mind and the heart.”

Emotional connection with the content of this production will not be limited to the audience. Jamal Albuoy, who plays the Evil Angel, shares how working on this production affected his personal faith journey and moments that touched his heart during rehearsals.

“Being a part of this project has definitely had a positive impact on my personal faith journey,” Mr Albuoy said. “Knowing how the story ends in the Bible (Revelation 21) has encouraged me even more to make it to Heaven, spending eternity with my personal Saviour, Jesus Christ.

“The biggest takeaway for me, which is depicted throughout the musical, is understanding how the influence of one can have eternal consequences … choose wisely. Playing the role of Rahmiel gave me some insight into evil I want no part of (1 John 3:8).”

He added: “From the opening scene as the angelic host gave worship to God the Father and Son, I could only imagine what joy and jubilation they must have experienced!

“Watching how Jesus interacted with Adam and Eve, exploring their new garden home, really put a smile on my face. The depiction of Job’s story truly puts tragedy and faith on full display.

“One scene that really transported me back in time is ‘Death and Resurrection’. It is truly powerful and intense … You don’t want to miss it!”

His experience echoes a theme felt across the entire team — this production has been as transformative for those creating it as it hopes to be for those who will watch it.

Ms Williams, the director, has felt that same impact in her own role. “As a director, I focus on the acting,” she said. “It is an essential part of the experience that, when combined with the music, will truly be explosive.

“The power of the performances on stage, paired with the beautiful music, creates an impactful experience for the audience. Each aspect is strong on its own, but together, they deliver an unforgettable message.”

Alongside the powerful story are some of the island’s most gifted voices and actors, including Wayneche Watson, Cindy Smith, Samantha Smith, Tracey Richardson, Chanel Francis, Shammah Williams, Samone Outerbridge, and Charo Hollis, among others.

Their combined artistry, rooted in scripture and gospel music, creates a worship experience as much as a performance.

Ms Lightbourne shares her approach to selecting the music that carries such weighty spiritual themes, saying: “None of the songs are my own compositions. That’s not my gift! I intentionally chose gospel songs that are familiar, powerful, and that help tell the story in a way I believe audiences will connect with.”

“As God gave me the storyline, the songs seemed to come right along with it. I want to acknowledge Michael Spenser and Owen Simons for entrusting me with this project, and our musical director, Marvin Pitcher, for helping to bring the music to life. We have an amazing team of individuals who all came together in unity for this project.”

Ms Lightbourne added: “My prayer is that when the final note is sung, and the closing prayer is given, the audience leaves with a renewed desire to remember that our choices matter, and that choosing Jesus is the best choice anyone could ever make.”

This production is independently funded, a step of faith embraced by the entire team. Rather than charge admission, the group simply invites those who attend to bring a love offering, allowing the community to support the ministry freely and joyfully.