Turns out there’s nothing controversial about a premier attending a Christmas celebration after all.

Except for those who would try to make such a thing controversial.

Premier Doug Ford didn’t seem to care.

“I am so proud to be here,” he told thousands attending the Christmas Celebration put on by Canada Christian College (CCC) at the International Centre Sunday night.

“It’s a real honour.”

The room was filled with Christians from all backgrounds and all parts of the province, Canada and the world, as well as pastors, families and a few politicians including MPP Sam Oosterhoff and former PC cabinet minister Frank Klees.

But the star of the show was definitely Premier Ford.

He didn’t come alone.

Along with him was his wife, Karla, and their daughters Krista Ford, Kayla Ford, Kara Ford and Kyla Ford — all of whom were invited up onto the stage to applause from the crowd.

“We want to thank Premier Ford not only for coming tonight but also for standing up for Christians,” said Dr. Charles McVety, CCC president.

“When the City of Toronto cancelled the Jesus in the City march, Doug Ford was there to make sure were able to get back our permit and have the event.”

Ford said Ontario is for everybody and promised good days ahead.

“You are going to see prosperity in 2019, the likes of what this province has never seen before,” the premier said.

There was also a very special moment when Dr. Jennifer McVety, Charles McVety’s wife, presented Ford’s wife with a bouquet of flowers while leading a prayer for her.

“Behind every great man is an even greater woman,” said Jennifer McVety to applause.

For all the manufactured controversy by the NDP and the left-leaning media, it didn’t seem to faze Ford — who at one point even hammed it up with the plus-size Charles McVety, saying that when they stand back-to-back they make perfect circle.

The premier was having fun and not worried about the critics.

The music was exquisite, from the amazing Elevation performing a number of their hits to an incredible performance of Mary Did you Know by CCC music professor Franchesca Hampton — with some help from Legacy Music House and Stephen Lewis and Dean.

Their performances were all stunning.

“Incredible,” Ford told me. “Such incredible talents.”

These churches and congregations were not here for a political rally or to be controversial. There were here to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

They were also there to pray for Premier Ford to have continued “health and success” going forward.

The premier joined in on the prayer led by his brother-in-law Pastor Michael Middlebrook, Karla Ford’s brother.

It was an emotional moment for the room — many yelling “praise the Lord.”

Said Ford: “Thank you so much for giving us such a warm welcome here.”

Said McVety: “I have to say in my 59 years I don’t know if I recall an Ontario premier ever coming to a Christmas concert like this. We appreciate you, Premier Ford, and we thank you.”

No premier ever going to a Christian Christmas concert before?

Turns out may there is a controversy to talk about after all — although perhaps a precedent has been set since Ontario’s current premier came to this one.

jwarmington@postmedia.com