~ just the two of us ~

I can still remember vividly, as a child, Christmas was something I really looked forward to. We had loads of fun. :)

Remembering, when I was ten, we had children's carolling. And we practiced hard. Sunday school teachers gave their all, in our practices, and also costumes. Not only did we have carollers, but we had Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, 2 little lambs, shepherds, angels, and etc. And of course, it's the time of the year we get to put on make-up! Hehehe... and we travel to church members' places in a bus, over a period of at least two days... It was fun, exciting, and I can still remember my friends who were with me at time.. We practically grew up together. :) All those who can testify to this, say aye!

When I was eleven, we had a big Christmas event at the Hang Tuah Hall. Our choir made up of adults, young adults and youths. We had a very good conductress, who was a no-nonsense lady (a pro too). We had to do our vocal warm-ups before we go for our practices, and what I can remember is we have to o-p-e-n our mouths, to at least fit an orange or three fingers in height. And our pronunciation must be "perfect". Words like king must have the -ing sound at the back, loud and clear, and words like the must be pronounced with the tip of the tongue showing out, and words like it must have the t sound loud and clear. We sang in parts. Soprano (usually the melody), alto, tenor, and bass. I was always in the soprano side (not sure about now, though). Hahaha. They called the production, "Christmas Bell". We had a huge bell decorated nicely with lights and all just behind where the choir was standing. It was grand. We even had a shadow play on the birth, and crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. I still remember how the atmosphere was when we sang "Do you hear what I hear" in parts! And it was through these practices (months before!) that we got to know church members better, the fellowship and especially giving us the Christmas mood as early as in August. :)

When I was twelve & thirteen, we went carolling again! Woo Hoo! It was alternate years, where one year will be children's carolling, the next will either be the adults carolling or the youth. And yeah, I enjoyed youth carolling too. We did not only sing, we had songs with sign languages, solos, and songs with actions. And thanks to our dear youth leaders, and conductresses, Liz & Joanne , we had fun!!! I miss GY days... *boo hoo* And we had a group of guitarists, abt three/four of them, so it's really nice!

When I was fourteen, we had Christmas Joy Parade! It's where all churches in Malacca came together and we walked on the roads of Malacca, proclaiming Christ. The first year was grand. It was held for seven years after that. We were at Kubu Stadium, the starting point of the walk. We walked through the streets of the towns, as I was in the choir, we sang throughout. At the end, there was a big stage in the middle of the field and there were we, about 100+ of us from all churches. The feelings? Indescribable. Imagine, we had our choir practices also about 3-4 months in advance and the practices were held at Christ Church. The acoustics of the church was so good, that it sent goose bumps all over me when we sang. We also had a professional conductress, and she is a trainer for vocal classes. God really blessed us. I remember once we had to get out of the church and sang outside of the church to really test how loud we were. And yeah, I was in the soprano section again. Hehehe. It was pretty easy, you don't have to remember parts. My mum who was always an alto had to get her parts right. But she did well, and we always practiced together at home.

The year after that, when I was fifteen, Christmas Joy Parade again, but this time, I was involved in timbrel and dancing. Imagine having to dance all the way from the start of the parade till the end. It was great too! This time, it was a smaller group of us, about thirty... and yes, we had timbrels and ribbons.... Nice! Writing all these really makes me miss all those times we had back then. :)

When I was sixteen or seventeen, we participated in the parade, at the same time, our church had another Christmas play at MBMB hall. (Opposite Jusco now). And this time, I was to be Mary... Hahaha... do nothing, just acting preggie and walking with Joseph, who is my cousin-in-law now.

The years after that, when I was already in uni, our Christian Fellowship participated in the parade, and we walked together as a CF, singing carols as we walked. It was great too! The last year of the parade was when I was twenty, stepping into my first year of degree, I was a part of the music team that was stationed at Mahkota Parade. Hehehe. I think if not mistaken, the song leader was Ps. Joanne. :) I remembered as a CF, we performed at the Portuguese Settlement too. And not sure which year was it, we, as a CF, we performed together with other churches during the National Christmas Open House which was held at Hang Tuah Walk. It was grand.. the PM and Royal Entourage were there too..

In 2002, we had our first Christmas celebration in our uni hall. For the first time, we managed to get approval from the university authorities to have our event there. We were so blessed, and guess what, the hall was packed! We initially put in about 500 chairs, but students just kept filling in the hall till they had to stand right near the door! And that was the start, of the many Christmas events till today, they still continue with the tradition. I remember that people went early to book places and it has been packed ever since. Even our dear M friends, were so excited that when interviewed, they said they're looking forward to the next Christmas production the year after that. Some were even touched by the play that we had.

And now, after left uni, into the working world, lots of things changed, and no more participating in Christmas events. Hehehe. I guess, I just couldn't commit for the practices anymore. This year, I wanted to join the choir for Trinity's Christmas production, but I couldn't, as I know I couldn't commit to the practice schedules. It's ok, there will always be more Christmases to come... And having the first Christmas away from home... gives me a different feeling. I'm glad that my parents and brother will be down for Christmas here with me instead. Hehehe. So, nothing beats, spending Christmas with your loved ones... and of course, friends... :)

All in all, each and everyone of us, must know, the true meaning of Christmas.. It's not just about presents, trees, Santa Claus, events... Christmas has been so "commercialised", so to speak, that it has lost it's true meaning...It is more to that... It's a time for sharing, giving and loving... Also, to remember the greatest love of all... God the Father, sending His Son, through this humanly birth, so that He was able to sacrifice for all the sins and fall of mankind... And that we are redeemed by His blood that was shed on the cross, to be made whole once again... (this, I will share when Good Friday comes.. :P)

A song that I sung, since I was a kid:

Christmas Isn't Christmas

Christmas, isn't Christmas
Till it happens, in your heart
Somewhere, deep inside you
Is where Christmas, really starts
So give your heart to Jesus
You'll discover when you do...
That is Christmas, really Christmas, for you...

Jesus brings warmth like a winter's fire
A light like a candle's glow
He's waiting now, to come inside, as He did so long ago
Jesus brings gifts of truth and life
And makes them bloom and grow
So welcome Him with a song of joy
And when He comes you'll know...

Till then... I wish you love, joy, peace, this Christmas.. God bless!

Posted in: christmas, me on 13 December 2007 at at 9:36 am