This is going to be an unforgettable night of laughter, music and meaning," said Bob Fisher, describing "The Real Meaning of Christmas." "We're going to pack as much fun and entertainment into the evening as possible."

"The Real Meaning of Christmas," a free dinner theater show, will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

"There is going to be a lot going on that evening," said Bob, who is the show's creator and director. "Our waiters will be in the show, performing and encouraging the people at the tables to get involved. We'll be singing Christmas songs all evening, and we'll have skits that tell the story of Christmas. We're going to end the evening with a really memorable activity."

Details for that activity will be revealed at the event, he said, noting that everyone in the community is invited to attend the dinner theater.

"The target audience is those people who really need to hear the good news of Jesus, have a fun night out and have some hope in their life," Bob shared. "We feel we can provide that through this program."

The idea for the dinner theater began after Bob's wife, Marcy - who is the music director at the church - suggested holding a hymn sing.

That idea soon transformed into a full-blown dinner theater.

"I went out there to look for things to adapt or reuse, but I couldn't find anything that was telling the story I thought needed to be told," Bob said.

So, he turned to a very modern tool to tell a timeless tale: ChatGPT.

"ChatGPT helped me write a script, and I added to that," he said. "I have rewritten it about 12 times."

Bob explained that the event will begin with people checking in and meeting their waiter.

"Each table will have one or more of their own waiters," he shared. "They will greet people and tell them what to expect. We'll have music playing during that time and hors d'oeuvres as people gather together."

Waiters will serve the plated dinner, and the show will include five short and funny skits, all with quick costume changes, props and scenery.

"We hope to end the evening with lighted candles and singing 'Silent Night,'" Bob said. "It's not going to be a heavy evangelical evening. These are comedy skits that give the story of Christmas. My intent is to get people thinking and enjoying the season."

Bob has been pleasantly surprised by how enthusiastically church members have embraced his idea for the show.

"Participation from our church has been phenomenal," he said. "We have about 35 to 40 waiters lined up and about 10 to 12 people as the core of our actors. My wife has lined up about four to six soloists who will perform."

The meal will be prepared by church member Nancy Shonk, who has coordinated many community meals over the years, Bob said.

Bob noted that his intent with the event is to draw the audience in to participate and share the joy of the holiday season.

"It's not going to be a professional show, but it's going to be a lot of fun at a time when we all need encouragement and hope," he said.

He hopes to make the event an annual tradition.

"I really want the community businesses and organizations to be involved," he remarked. "I'd like to get donations and sponsorships. Right now, we're funding this through our church, but we hope to make it even bigger in the future."

"The Real Meaning of Christmas" is free to attend, but tickets are requested to give organizers an idea of how many people to expect. For tickets, visit http://www.florincob.org/register.