The festive spirit of Christmas arrived early in the historic city of Lucknow as two prominent churches came together to usher in the season with light and melody. The Assembly of Believers' Church, with congregations in Chowk and Daliganj, jointly organized the city's first candlelight services of the year, setting a reflective and joyous tone for the celebrations to come.
A Symbolic Start with Light and Prayer
The core purpose of the candlelight service is to symbolize the advent of Jesus Christ, recognized by believers as the 'light of the world'. The evening commenced with a solemn prayer led by Presbyter-in-charge Rev Parag Wesley. In his invocation, he sought divine blessings for the global community, expressing hope that the spiritual light of Christ would bring guidance and comfort to those living in conditions of darkness, need, and poverty.
An Evening of Melody, Drama, and Festive Joy
The atmosphere was soon filled with the harmonious sounds of traditional Christmas carols, creating a warm and communal vibe. A key highlight for the attendees was a heartfelt nativity play, meticulously organized by Sister Amisha. The performance, enacted by the children of the church, beautifully depicted the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble manger.
The festive excitement peaked with the surprise arrival of Santa Claus, who distributed sweets, chocolates, and goodies to the delighted children. Adding a unique cultural dimension to the event, the youth group presented a special performance. Led by Sister Kezia and her team, they performed a song based on a Zimbabwean theme titled "Zumbi Baba".
Devotees Embrace the Christmas Spirit
The sentiment of the community was captured by a devotee, Arunima Joseph, at the Daliganj Church. She shared that for many, this service marks the official beginning of Christmas preparations, a period eagerly awaited as the best time of the year. The event successfully blended spiritual reverence with communal celebration, concluding an evening that signified hope, joy, and the shared anticipation of the Christmas festival in Lucknow.
