It doesn't feel like Christmas without a ritual viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." We're familiar with the quintessential Jimmy Stewart rerun that airs every year. And for those of us who love a tale of goodwill but are bored with Christmas movie reruns, New Hope's Youth Choir provided a fresh take on this holiday favorite.

The youth choir transformed the classic into a stage play, blending meaning with music. Youth between ages 13 and 20 sang and danced their way through the timeless lessons learned in the town of "Bedford Falls." Set in 1919, George Bailey, the protagonist, confronts each challenge with faith in God.

"One life touches one life like a candle burning bright to light the way for others. It's a wonderful life."

"That one line from the main song really touched my heart," said Dane Ison, the visionary and director of every youth choir musical. "We won't realize how much we've touched other people's lives until we go to Heaven, but we are a light."

From August to December, Ison taught 100 young talents about on-stage composure and behind-the-scenes etiquette. A God-centered approach to theater makes New Hope's Youth Choir unique. Before every rehearsal, everyone came together for a 20-minute sermon and participated in small group discussions. The youth choir is not just about presenting great entertainment; it's about shaping Godly character and instilling lessons about teamwork and responsibility within the performers.

"Because they're kids, they might feel they're not old enough or mature enough to be that light to their friends and family," Ison said. "This play is a great message to the kids and to everyone that we can be that light."

Considering the high caliber of entertainment the youth choir annually demonstrates, it's no wonder that nearly every performance ended with a standing ovation from the audience.