Christmas Joy
‘Christmas Joy’ was an idea sparked by the Parish Priest of NBVM(Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and SCIC (Sts. Chastan and Imbert), Rev. Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu “to awaken the spirit of Christmas and be missionaries of good news”. It was one of the events organized as part of advent on 9 December at the Church of Sts. Chastan and Imbert by an ad hoc committee led by Mavis Baptist. The night was filled with medley of carols and a short skit from the 6 BECs (Basic Ecclesiastical Community) and 4 language choir groups. It was open to all parishioners and about 250 were present to enjoy the night.
That evening, Church of Sts. Chastan and Imbert was alive with Christmas spirit with parishioners dressed in red or green and the Christmas tree dressed in lights and ornaments. Rev. Fr. Adrian Matthews from the Parish of St. Theresa, Masai, who was visiting Fr. Dom gladly shared the purpose of caroling as part of advent. He explained that ‘Caroling’ was a French word for dance and merriment and it was synonymous to the Festival of Winter Solstice. It was only in the 4th or 5th century that people wrote songs of Jesus Birth and began to proclaim the good news through carols. He also added that the 1st carolers were the angels and we too are to become angels in proclaiming the birth of Christ. He advised all carolers to be disciplined and be role models to others especially when caroling house to house or in public.
The church was filled with angelic voices proclaiming the birth of Christ in all three languages. “O Holy Night”, ‘A Ray of Hope’ and ‘Silent Night’ were some of the favourite medleys. Parishioners sang along with groups presenting and were filled with the spirit of anticipation and joy. After the carols, all parishioners adjourned for fellowship.
