Bianca and Dave on The Today Show for Foundation4Life’s Toy Drive

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Yesterday, my husband and I got to represent our company for participation in the Today Show Toy Drive.  It was a lot of fun, but there were a couple of memories I will take home with me that will linger long after the experience of actually being on the show will fade away.

Before our segment of the show began I had a brief moment to visit with Kathy Lee one of the hosts.  Our segment was at the very end of what I am sure had been a long few hours for her.  She could have easily gotten away with just being cordial to us, but instead she was genuinely gracious.  I remember being impressed with her frequent expressions about her belief in God and her faith when she was on the Regis and Kathy Lee show.  It was touching to see that her Christian faith not only affects  what she believes in but also in who she is and how she treats others.

The Hopes and Fears Of All The Years

While there are a lot of things to love about New York at Christmastime ( the enormous tree at Rockerfeller Center, the ice skaters, the market and carriage rides in Central Park, the window displays at Macy’s and just the overall feeling of good cheer, the thing that makes a trip to the Big Apple at this time of year all worth it, in my opinion is the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Show. It is a must-see for all ages.

The show features the famous Rocket Chorus Line Dancers who have been kicking up their heels in perfect unison since 1933.  Their number such as the parade of the wooden soldiers, pictured below, is proof that some things never go out of style.  The show also features state of the art multi-media and 3D special effects that enthrall both young and old alike.

But the greatest part is the culmination of the show in the reading of Luke 2, “the original Christmas story” and the Living Nativity dramatized on the stage featuring live sheep and donkeys and camels and an angel in the air appearing to the shepherds is one of the most glorious things I have ever seen on the stage.  Honestly,  if you are ever thinking about being in New York City at this time of year, or if you find yourself anywhere near the area, I promise you this show is something you and your children will never forget.

Tears were streaming down my face as the live orchestra and choir filled the music hall with Joy To The World.  I marveled that in a world where we have to be careful of even saying, “Merry Christmas” in order not to offend someone who is not Christian, this incredible expression  of love and belief was portrayed in one of the most sophisticated cities in the world.  As Luke 2 began to be read, the audience broke out into spontaneous applause, as if to express how hungry we all had been for this public expression of belief done is such an impressive way.

New York, like any big city, can be a place where all our fears are manifest.  But not in Radio City Music Hall three times a day at Christmas. There, hope rings out strong, and truly like the carol says speaking of the Savior of the World, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”