Candlelight procession led by members of Bethel Methodist Junior Choir.
Four-year-old Ariana de Rosario lights a candle at the Bethel Methodist Christmas candlelight service.
ST. EUSTATIUS--The Christmas Story has been told for almost 2020 years. Bethel Methodist Church performed its candlelight service on Sunday and demonstrated once again the inspirational nature of this meaningful Christian event.
Carols, nativity readings, gospel voices, rapping, classical music, theatre and even a trace of Michael Jackson pop laced the programme.
The Miracle of Christmas was an uplifting experience and given the social mood of the COVID-19 pandemic, its message of hope resonated with worshippers in the packed pews.
Lively dramatic pieces performed by individual members of the Junior Choir reminded of the spiritual, almost magical setting in Bethlehem told from the perspective of each special character in the nativity.
“Out of the mouths of babes” is a biblical expression and brave four-year-old Ariana de Rosario was not shy in lighting a candle and sharing her blessing with the congregation. Her wish? “That everyone loves each other.”
Melodic moments were fine-tuned by The Medical Crew comprising Marije Veerman on clarinet and Elaine Marchena on violin. Their arrangement of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” was moving and drew tumultuous applause.
A further note of optimism was provided by Beryl Fortin-Van Putten who recited God’s Plan Poem with confidence and meaning.
Equally well-rehearsed was the Children’s Choir. Their 13 voices combined sweetly to perform “Oh, what a Glorious Night” and “Born on Christmas Day.”
The Methodist Church has a Wesleyan tradition for song and the musical moments from Bethel Methodist Senior and Jeems Choirs had the aisles swinging.
“Every year, the candlelight service gets better and better,” one worshipper told The Daily Herald after the service. “Who says old-fashioned traditions are not modern?”
