I spent a very pleasurable evening recently at the Colombo Law Society carols where the choir, consisting mainly of young lawyers, sang their hearts out.
As per tradition, the choir entered the venue - All Saints Church, Hulftsdorp, singing the processional hymn – “Once in Royal David’s City.” An angelic soprano voice radiantly penetrated the church as the full choir joined in from the second verse together with the congregation, thereafter. ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ was followed by the congregational ‘Hark the Herald’, and the popular Sinhala carol ‘Bethlehem Pure.’ The choir then sang ‘Rise up Shepherds’, ‘Jesus Christ the Apple Tree’ and ‘The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy.’ The offertory congregational ‘The First Noel’ was followed by a lively Tamil carol sung by the choir with much gusto. The readings and messages were very meaningful and were delivered with finesse. I was especially touched by Mokshini Jayamanne’s take on The Centrality of Easter to the Christmas Story. The minute’s silence on behalf of the lives lost on Easter Sunday 2019 after her message was indeed poignant. The service concluded with the popular recessional hymn ‘Silent Night’ and the congregation was invited to participate in the fellowship that followed with Christmas cake and wine. The event was meticulously planned, with the traditional blending with the modern. The Choral Director was Vasanthakumar Niles and the accompanists were Premila Perpinayagam and Akiel Deen. Kudos to all who with their professional and personal commitments took on the challenge of presenting a meaningful service of worship.
Pix: Shan Rambukwella
