The early afternoon was marked by busyness; everyone was doing his/her own thing as all prepare for the evening. Men and women doing the kitchen, kids chorus rehearsing for the early part in the program, and a musical Korean (Koh) family rehearsing in the sanctuary.
We were given the cue to get ready, so I concluded SonBeams (kids)Choir's rehearsal with a prayer, and the Salmo (adults) Chorale grabbed the last few minutes to warm up. After Pee Wee prayed, we headed to the sanctuary.
A few moments later, the program started, with a very special cello and piano duet with Joanna Seungmin Oh and Juvy . A prayer was said by Philip, then, a strings group, composed of Carina, Corinne, and Michael Woojai did a medley of Christmas and some classical piece accompanied by Ms. Joanna Seungmin on the piano. Everyone was gladly surprised to know Corinne has learned to play the violin.
Then the SonBeams sang their repertoire. See the previous post, "EBC SonBeams Sang at SM City" for the song titles.
Pastor Roi delivered the meaningful Christmas message, "Christmas, A Time for Family to Be Together," Luke 2:16. Very timely, for there were several OFW fathers and a mother who flew home to be with their loved ones this yuletide season.
Afterwards, Peter Heeton Koh, Frank Woojin, and Michael Woojai (father and sons) sang "O Holy Night" together, accompanied by Joanna Seungmin Oh, Peter's wife on the grand piano. We were glad they shared that special evening with us; an endearing family. They had some Korean youngsters with them too.
The Salmo Chorale then took the stage and sang the following traditional English and Filipino carols:
Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Kumukutikutitap! ("Twinkly" is the most that I can to translate)
Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)-usually centered on the Christmas Eve Feast
Pasko Na Naman (It's Christmas! [Once Again!])
The night's program segued to the Christmas Party. Janeil and Jael led the people through various parlor games, exchanging gifts, et. al. and then, the Christmas Banquet.
It was a long 'Christmas Day' at the church but was a very happy one indeed. Surely, everyone had a grand and blessed time.
A very Merry Christmas to you, Emmanuel Baptist Church!
Photos courtesy of Che Santillan
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