A dazzling Christian rock opera inspired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is making its debut in Waco, Texas, this December, bringing a high-energy Nativity story to life through music, lights, and storytelling.

Titled He Rules the World, the show will run for four nights in mid-December at the Waco Hippodrome. It will combine rock music, narration, animation, and a vibrant light display. The 90-minute performance offers a family-friendly spectacle designed to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Christ.

Peter B. Emerson, the visionary behind the project, serves as its composer, lyricist, and executive producer. He drew inspiration from a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert he attended with his daughter in 2018.

“There were fantastic lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, and incredible guitar solos—it was such a spectacle,” Emerson told Crosswalk Headlines. “And the whole time, I kept thinking, ‘Man, that’s amazing. I can do something like that.'”

But Emerson saw an opportunity to focus on something deeper.

“While the Trans-Siberian Orchestra does amazing work, their Christmas show isn’t really about Christmas—it’s more about the spirit of the season,” he explained. “I wanted to create something that centered fully on the birth of Christ, starting with Old Testament prophecies and leading to the Nativity.”

The result is He Rules the World, a rock opera that delivers a faith-centered experience without skimping on the energy and spectacle that wowed Emerson in his initial inspiration.

“It’s a visual and auditory feast,” Emerson said. “Families will experience a Nativity story like they’ve never seen before—one that is deeply rooted in faith and presented with electrifying music and stunning visuals.”

Emerson hopes the show will have a lasting impact, with aspirations to expand beyond Texas.

“I could see this reaching audiences nationwide, maybe even having a permanent home in places like Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or Branson, Missouri,” he said. “Eventually, I’d love to adapt it into a live-action screenplay. This is just the beginning.”

His wife, Jennifer L. Emerson, who serves as co-executive producer, sees the opera as meeting a unique need for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.

“It’s hard to find age-appropriate shows that appeal to both kids and adults,” she shared. “He Rules the World fills that gap beautifully.”

The Emersons believe their production offers families more than just entertainment; it offers a meaningful way to celebrate the true reason for the season.

With its premiere just weeks away, He Rules the World promises to bring audiences together in joyful worship, wonder, and awe, reminding all who see it that Christ is the heart of Christmas.