BUKIT MERTAJAM - The joy of Christmas is engulfing many hearts as the Bukit Mertajam folks go house to house carolling this year.
The organiser of the Christmas carolling group from Faith Tamil Baptist Church (FTBC), S.Matthews, 58, said that around 30 participants, aged between three and 58, from the church have joined the carolling group this time.
"We had to stop the carolling activity for the last two years due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, but this year we had an overwhelming response from the people.
"When we first announced the two-day carolling event on Dec 21 and 22, people quickly reserved us. As a result, we covered 11 houses, five on the mainland and six on the island,” he explained to Bernama.
Matthews who is also the Pastor of FTBC, said that Christmas carolling is not just about going from house to house to sing a couple of Christmas songs, but the true meaning behind it is to proclaim the 'Good News' about the birth of Christ who came to save us from our sins.
"We thank God as we are now able to resume the carolling activity and be able to spread the joy of Christmas into the hearts of the people,” he said.
Elaborating, he said that in an effort to prevent any outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, all of the carolers have been required to perform a self-test prior to heading for the carolling activity and those with any symptoms are not allowed to participate.
Meanwhile, a production administrator at Plexus, D. Augustine, 42, said after two years of muted festivities, he is thrilled to be able to host carolling at his house this year.
"Previously, we could not host any parties at our home, but now I am grateful to God that things have returned to normal. We have so many activities planned for this year. We will be executing every plan we haven’t been able to do in the last two years,” he said.
He added that the opening of international borders will make it possible for people to celebrate Christmas with extended family and friends who may now travel to the country, making this year’s festivities even more joyful.
"I have an unspeakable joy within me as my sister is coming all the way from Sri Lanka. It has been quite a long time since I met her due to the closure of the borders. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Spread the joy of Christmas folks,” he added. - BERNAMA
The organiser of the Christmas carolling group from Faith Tamil Baptist Church (FTBC), S.Matthews, 58, said that around 30 participants, aged between three and 58, from the church have joined the carolling group this time.
"We had to stop the carolling activity for the last two years due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, but this year we had an overwhelming response from the people.
"When we first announced the two-day carolling event on Dec 21 and 22, people quickly reserved us. As a result, we covered 11 houses, five on the mainland and six on the island,” he explained to Bernama.
Matthews who is also the Pastor of FTBC, said that Christmas carolling is not just about going from house to house to sing a couple of Christmas songs, but the true meaning behind it is to proclaim the 'Good News' about the birth of Christ who came to save us from our sins.
"We thank God as we are now able to resume the carolling activity and be able to spread the joy of Christmas into the hearts of the people,” he said.
Elaborating, he said that in an effort to prevent any outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, all of the carolers have been required to perform a self-test prior to heading for the carolling activity and those with any symptoms are not allowed to participate.
Meanwhile, a production administrator at Plexus, D. Augustine, 42, said after two years of muted festivities, he is thrilled to be able to host carolling at his house this year.
"Previously, we could not host any parties at our home, but now I am grateful to God that things have returned to normal. We have so many activities planned for this year. We will be executing every plan we haven’t been able to do in the last two years,” he said.
He added that the opening of international borders will make it possible for people to celebrate Christmas with extended family and friends who may now travel to the country, making this year’s festivities even more joyful.
"I have an unspeakable joy within me as my sister is coming all the way from Sri Lanka. It has been quite a long time since I met her due to the closure of the borders. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Spread the joy of Christmas folks,” he added. - BERNAMA