[♪ trumpet fanfare ♪] ♪ ♪ ♪ (silence) >> Now I will say welcome everyone to the 56th Annual Governor's Carolighting.

I'm Dawndy Mercer Plank, and it is such an honor to kick off the holiday season with all of you here tonight on the beautiful grounds of our South Carolina State house.

Please join me in welcoming the first family, who already has walked on behind me.

Please give a round of applause for the honorable Governor Henry McMaster, First Lady Peggy McMaster, and the first family, Mary Rogers and her husband Sam.

[applause] <Gov.

McMaster> Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome again to your State house.

It belongs to you.

Everything you see here belongs to you.

I always encourage people to remember that and act like it belongs to you.

Take care of it; love it' see that it flourishes.

Visitors often tell me that it must be great to live in a place like South Carolina, especially at Christmas time.

And that is true, except for the fact that there is no place like South Carolina except South Carolina, and it belongs to us.

Let's be sure that the children know that the beauty and promise of this place, which all of our people have built over the centuries, and there is more to come, so to all the friends and families of the remarkable people of South Carolina, Merry Christmas.

[applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Sr.> Let us pray.

Dear God of grace, glory, and greatness, we praise you today for who you are as the Lord of all life.

We're ever thankful to you for your amazing grace and everlasting mercy.

During this special season of Thanksgiving, our cups overflow with thanks.

We give thanks to you from a pure place in our hearts.

We ask, God, that you would smile upon us and be gracious to our nation and this our beloved state of South Carolina .

Let your favor be with Governor Henry McMaster, First Lady Peggy McMaster, and all who serve with our governor.

We welcome your presence to the governor's carolighting event this evening.

We ask you, dear God, to let your radiant presence abide with us to the end that your will is done.

We do what we do always for your glory.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

<Dawndy> Thank you, Dr. Jackson, for that prayer.

Thank you so much, and thank you, Governor, for your remarks as well.

It is absolutely, positively a beautiful evening here in the capital city of South Carolina.

What a perfect time to come together for the lighting of our state Christmas tree.

Tonight we are going to hear a reading of the Christmas story told by a father-son duo, two Jacksons, Charles Jackson each.

We will have Reverend Charles B. Jackson Sr., from whom you just had the prayer, of Brookland Baptist Church, and his son, Reverend Charles B. Jackson Jr. Of new Laurel Street Missionary Baptist Church.

And as we move through the reading, you're going to enjoy the sounds of holiday songs performed by talent from across our great state of South Carolina.

And then before we leave tonight, we are going to come together for a countdown for the lighting of our Christmas tree.

That will be led by Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster, signaling the official start of the holiday season in South Carolina.

We do hope all of you will enjoy the show.

>> The gospel of Luke 1:26-31 says, in the 6th month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.

The virgin's name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored!

The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary.

"You have found favor with God.

"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus."

>> Up first, let's hear it for the HBCUs.

We have the voices of Claflin University, South Carolina State University, and Morris College singing "the hallelujah chorus."

that's going to be followed by the Carolighting Children's Choir singing "Tiny Little Baby Born in Bethlehem."

Enjoy.

[piano playing "The Hallelujah chorus"] >> ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪♪ ♪ The kingdom of this world ♪ ♪ is become the kingdom of our Lord ♪ ♪ and of his Christ, and of his Christ ♪ ♪ and he shall reign ♪ ♪ forever and ever ♪ ♪ and he shall reign ♪ ♪ forever and ever ♪ ♪ and he shall reign, and he shall reign, ♪ ♪ and he shall reign ♪ ♪ forever and ever, forever and ever ♪ ♪ and he shall reign forever and ever ♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ ♪ forever and ever, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ forever and ever, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ ♪ forever and ever, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ forever and ever, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ king of kings, ♪ ♪ forever and ever, Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ and he shall reign and he shall reign ♪ ♪ and he shall reign, he shall reign ♪ ♪ and he shall reign forever and ever ♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ and he shall reign forever, forever and ever ♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords!

♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ and he shall reign forever and ever ♪ ♪ forever and ever ♪ ♪ king of kings ♪ and Lord of Lords ♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

♪♪ [applause] [piano playing "Tiny Little Baby Born in Bethlehem"] ♪ >> ♪ Tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing it low ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ born, born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ sing it high, tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ sing it low ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing it higher ♪ ♪ tiny little born in a manger, joy, joy, joy ♪ ♪ born, born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ shepherds came the child to see ♪ ♪ tiny little baby, tiny little baby ♪ ♪ left their flocks and left their sheep ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ angels sang a lullaby ♪ ♪ tiny little baby, tiny little baby ♪ ♪ sang a song that filled the sky ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing it low ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ born, born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ sing it high, tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ sing it low ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing it higher ♪ ♪ tiny little born in a manger, joy, joy, joy ♪ ♪ born, born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing in joy, joy, joy ♪ ♪ sing in peace, sing in peace, peace, peace ♪ ♪ sing in love, sing in love, love, love ♪ ♪ sing in joy and peace and love ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ sing it high, sing it higher ♪ ♪ tiny little baby born in a manger ♪ ♪ born, born in... Born, born... ♪ ♪ born, born in Bethlehem!

♪ ♪ tiny baby, born, born in Bethlehem!

♪♪ [applause] ♪ >> The gospel of Luke 2:1-7 reads, in those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire roman world.

This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.

<Dawndy> Wonderful.

Now.

we want to bring up, please, the sounds of the Southern Bronze Handbell Ensemble.

That group is going to be performing "God rest ye merry, gentlemen."

that will be followed by Miss South Carolina Jill Dudley singing "O Holy Night."

[♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪ ♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪♪ ♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪ [♪ "God rest ye merry, gentlemen" ♪] ♪ [applause] [piano playing "O Holy Night"] >> ♪ O, Holy Night, ♪ ♪ the stars are brightly shining ♪ ♪ it is the night ♪ ♪ of our dear savior's birth ♪ ♪ long lay the world ♪ ♪ in sin and error pining ♪ ♪ till he appeared ♪ ♪ and the soul felt its worth ♪ ♪ a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices ♪ ♪ for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn' ♪ ♪ fall on your knees, ♪ ♪ O hear the angels' voices ♪ ♪ O night divine, ♪ ♪ O night when Christ was born ♪ ♪ O night divine, ♪ ♪ O night, ♪ ♪ O night ♪ ♪ divine ♪ ♪ O night... ♪ ♪ O night divine ♪♪ ♪♪ Thank you.

[applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Sr.> The gospel of Luke 2:8-11 reads, and there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.

"I bring you good news "that will cause great joy for all the people.

"today in the town of David, "a savior has been born to you.

He is the Messiah, the Lord ."

<Dawndy> You've sat there so quietly, so now you get to move around a little bit as next you get to dance along to the funky sounds of the Mark Rapp Jazz Group playing "Deck the Halls."

[♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Deck the Halls" ♪] ♪♪ [applause] >> The gospel of Luke 2:13-14 continues, saying, suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests."

<Dawndy> Well, once again, we want to hear from Claflin University, South Carolina State University, and Morris College as they sing "Mary had a baby," and then that will be followed by our precious Carolighting Children's Choir again singing "to hear the angels sing sweetly."

Enjoy.

[piano playing "Mary had a baby"] ♪♪ ♪♪ <soloist> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ <soloist> ♪ Oh, my Lord ♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ <soloist> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ <soloist> ♪ Oh, my Lord ♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby.

♪ ♪ Where was he born?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Born in a manger, Lord ♪ >> ♪ Where was he born?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Born in a manger, Lord ♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby ♪ <soloist> ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ >> ♪ Oh, my Lord ♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Some called him one thing.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ but I'll call him my Lord.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Some say Emanuel.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ I'll call him sweet little Jesus born.

♪ ♪ I'll call him Jesus.

♪ >> ♪ He is called king Jesus, ♪ ♪ Wonderful, counselor.

♪ <soloist> ♪ Wonderful counselor, ♪ ♪ everlasting father, ♪ ♪ He's the prince of peace.

♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby.

♪ [soloist vocalizing] >> ♪ Oh, my Lord ♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Some called him one thing.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ but I'll call him another.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ Some say Emanuel.

♪ >> ♪ What did they call him?

♪ <soloist> ♪ but I'll call him sweet little Jesus born.

♪ ♪ I'll call him Jesus.

♪ >> ♪ he is called king Jesus, wonderful counselor.

♪ <soloist> ♪ wonderful counselor, ♪ ♪ everlasting father.

♪ <soloist> ♪ He's the prince of peace.

♪ >> ♪ Mary had a baby.

♪ <soloist> ♪ oh, yes... ♪ ♪ oh, my...my Lord.

♪ [applause] [piano playing "To Hear the Angels Sing Sweetly"] ♪♪ ♪♪ >> ♪ Before the dawn of Christmas day, ♪ ♪ the world in solemn stillness lay ♪ ♪ to hear the angels sweetly sing ♪ ♪ a carol to the newborn king.

♪ ♪ their melody so true and clear ♪ ♪ was very beautiful to hear, ♪ ♪ so all of nature sang along, ♪ ♪ "Gloria!

Gloria!"

♪ ♪ Heaven and nature sang ♪ ♪ the angels' song.

♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ When morning dawned over all the earth, ♪ ♪ to celebrate the baby's birth, ♪ ♪ a choir of angels from on high ♪ ♪ with joyful music filled the sky.

♪ ♪ Their melody so true and clear ♪ ♪ was very beautiful to hear, ♪ ♪ so all of nature sang along, ♪ ♪ "Gloria!

Gloria!"

♪ ♪ heaven and nature sang ♪ ♪ the angels' song!

♪ ♪♪ ♪ Hallelujah!

♪♪ [applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Sr.> The gospel of Luke 2:15-18 read, when the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem "and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

<Dawndy> Well, now please join us in welcoming Commissioner Hugh Weathers as he performs "Let There Be Peace on Earth" accompanied by Sylvia Tremier.

[piano playing "Let there be peace on earth"] <Hugh Weathers> ♪ Let there be peace on Earth ♪ ♪ and let it begin with me ♪ ♪ Let there be peace on Earth ♪ ♪ the peace that was meant to be ♪ ♪ with God as our father ♪ ♪ family all are we ♪ ♪ let us walk with each other ♪ ♪ in perfect harmony ♪ ♪ Let peace begin with us ♪ ♪ Let this be the moment now ♪ ♪ with every step we take ♪ ♪ let this be our solemn vow ♪ ♪ to take each moment ♪ ♪ and live each moment ♪ ♪ in peace eternally ♪ ♪ let there be peace on Earth ♪ ♪ and let it begin with me.

♪ [applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Jr.> The gospel of Matthew 2:1-2 and verse 10 read, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

"We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

<Dawndy> And now we get to enjoy the soothing sounds once again of the Southern Bronze Handbell Ensemble, performing this time "What Child Is This?"

[♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [♪ "What Child Is This?"

♪] ♪♪ [applause] [applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Sr.> The gospel of Matthew 2:11 reads, on coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

<Dawndy> Once again, we are so glad to have Mark Rapp Jazz Group with us tonight.

Now they will perform for you "Jingle Bells."

[♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "Jingle Bells" ♪] ♪ [applause] <Rev.

Charles Jackson, Jr.> The book of Isaiah chapter 9:6 prophesies, for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace.

>> Good afternoon.

My name's Kabra Benford.

I serve as Divinity College gospel choir director we're so elated to be here tonight.

We have a special treat for you, so sit back and relax and listen out.

[soft music] ♪ [soloist: Mary Rogers hums] ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ He washed my sins away ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la-la la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la-la ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ He washed my sins away ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪ <Mary> ♪ la-la la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ la-la-la-la-la ♪ >> ♪ He taught me how ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, yes, he taught me how ♪ >> ♪ to walk, fight, and pray ♪ <Mary> ♪ to fight and pray ♪ >> ♪ fight and pray ♪ <Mary> ♪ and he taught me how to live rejoicing ♪ >> ♪ and live rejoicing ♪ <Mary> ♪ ev...every day ♪ ♪ every day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ when Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ when Jesus washed ♪ <Mary> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ >> ♪ When Jesus washed ♪ <Mary> ♪ He washed my sins away!

♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ ♪ He taught me how ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, yes, he taught me how ♪ >> ♪ to wash, fight, and pray ♪ <Mary> ♪ to fight and pray ♪ >> ♪ fight and pray ♪ <Mary> ♪ and he taught me how to live rejoicing ♪ >> ♪ and live rejoicing ♪ ♪ ev...every day ♪ ♪ every day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary> ♪ whoo-oooh ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day ♪ <Mary Rogers> ♪ Oh, happy, happy day ♪ >> ♪ Oh, happy day!

♪♪ [applause] [applause] <Dawndy> That was great, and that wasn't in the program.

I wish you could have seen your mom and dad's faces.

[laughter] Your mom looked at me halfway through and said, "I'm just hoping one day she can get over her nervousness in front of people."

[laughter] So we'll add to the program "with special guest appearance by Mary Rogers."

Thank you so much.

Thank you, everyone, for that!

We want now to get this tree, get the lights on, right?

Please welcome to the podium now.

Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster They're going to count us down for the lighting of our state Christmas tree.

Governor?

- and he's going to sing maybe.

[laughter] I want you all to sing.

[indistinct chatter] <Governor McMaster> Y'all, let's hear it one more time for these talented South Carolinians.

[applause] <Mrs.

McMaster> Where's the switch?

<Governor McMaster> Is that the switch?

<Mrs.

McMaster> Oh, is that the switch?

>> That's the switch.

<Mrs.

McMaster> Oh, there it is.

[indistinct chatter] <Gov.

McMaster> Okay, all right, here we go; everybody ready?

Is that the switch right there?

<Dawndy> Yeah.

<Gov.

McMaster> This is the switch.

Okay, y'all count with us, please, going from 10 to 1, then "go."

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go!

[crowd cheers] [trumpet music] <Gov.

McMaster> On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank all of you so much for joining us for this 56th Annual Governor's Carolighting.

Please join us now in singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas " to close out this wonderful evening.

Thank you.

[indistinct chatter] [indistinct chatter] <Dawndy> Let's bring Mary Rogers back to the stage to get us "We Wish You a Merry Christmas "!

Somebody--there we go, you!

There you go!

<Gov.

McMaster> You know this wasn't in the program!

[laughter] [piano keys trilling] >> ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ and a happy new year.

♪ ♪ Good tidings we bring to you and your kin ♪ ♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year ♪ ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ and a happy New Year!

♪ [applause] [trumpet fanfare] ♪ ♪♪ ♪ [Band plays: ♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ [♪ "When the Saints Go Marching In" ♪] ♪♪ ♪♪ [captioning by Veritext]