Song of hope and healing

The congregation attending the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in celebration of Christmas at St George’s Church in George Town, Penang. — K.T. GOH/The Star

A MESSAGE of hope and love rang through St George’s Church in Penang as the faithful gathered for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which included a special hymn.

Along with the customary carols sung in celebration of the birth of Christ, the congregation offered a hymn more usually heard in times of grieving: ‘It Is Well With My Soul’.

Organising chairman Jason William said this was the first time the choir was presenting a hymn usually heard when there is a bereavement in this festival.

“The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is usually celebrated near Christmas eve and we have never included grieving hymns.

“But this year, we wanted to include ‘It Is Well With My Soul’ as a hymn of hope and healing after what all of us have been through in the pandemic,” he said.

William said that in this difficult time, many were grieving the loss of someone because of Covid-19.

“This hymn is for those who lost someone close or distant, those who lost opportunities, lost jobs, lost their way in life or lost hope altogether.

“We hope this will help us reflect on the pandemic, and deflect its negative effects,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur-based choral group Cantus Musicus with St George’s Church choir serenaded over 100 people at the church.

During the festival, the 37- member choir sang other carols and hymns including ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘Brightest and Best’, ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’, ‘Unto Us Is Born A Son’, ‘O Holy Night’, ‘O Little Town Of Bethlehem’, ‘Night of Silence’, ‘Ave Verum’, ‘Torches’, ‘All Praise To Thee’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.

They were accompanied by organists Peter Chin, Leonard Selva, Matthew Arwinraj, Daniel De Costa and Jason William.