The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AFTER weeks of planning, school students in Long Island were excited to celebrate and showcase their talents at the recent district carol service.

It was lights, camera and action as the Clarence Town Community Centre in South Long Island attracted students from all the schools throughout the island. The spacious auditorium was filled to capacity with parents and other residents supporting the youngsters.

The event was held under the theme “What shall I give Him? Give Him my…?”

Father Chester Burton, rector of Anglican churches in Long Island, said each student tried to sing louder than the next. The day they all were anticipating had finally come, and they were all excited to go on stage and render their selections, he said.

“Melodious songs of Christmas rang out through the air as the students readied themselves school by school for their performances under the watchful eye of teachers and parents,” said Father Burton.

He said the annual district carol service was moderated by Bessie Cooper and Rosemary Burrows, teachers from Simms Primary and Mangrove Bush Primary respectively. The new district superintendent and veteran educator Lillian Culmer-Miller brought greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

“She eloquently reminded teachers and students that Jesus is still the true meaning for the Christmas season. After a the selections, Pastor Allan Dixon, pastor of the Highway Church of God in Doctor’s Creek, brought the message,” said Father Burton.

In his sermon, Father Burton said Pastor Dixon spoke on the theme of the service,saying it was very difficult and complex, but he gave the congregation much food for thought.

“He stated that this is the mystery of the incarnation which took place when Jesus came to the earth to dwell with humanity. Before stepping over many aeons recorded in the Old Testament he took youngsters back on a virtual tour of the Creation Story and reenacted the event so the youngsters could understand why Jesus was sent to restore the bond corroded by the act/sin Adam and Eve committed,” Father Burton said.

“All throughout the pages of the Old Testament, prophet, priest and king wonder and questioned in their heart about this God who created humans and left them to fend for themselves. Until prophets, for example Isaiah, started to proclaim that Jesus would be born. In Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 it is said: “And He shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Father Burton said the birth of Jesus initiates the salvation process of humanity and John’s gospel records in the prologue, “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

After the sermon, the day ended with light refreshments served to all in attendance.