People being entertained by Christmas tunes performed by the carollers in Johor Baru. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
FESTIVE melodies filled the air as some 40 carollers from the Calvary Community Church Johor Baru came together to spread Christmas joy at a Johor Baru hotel.
The carollers, some as young as four, spent about 30 minutes performing 12 Christmas songs including classics such as Joy to the World and Gloria in Excelsis Deo.
The audience could be seen humming and singing along to some of the songs.
S. Jared Roshen, 22, who led the church’s carolling team, said, “It is nice and heartwarming to see people enjoying the festive melodies whenever we perform carols in public places like this and in malls.
Jared says the group has performed Christmas carols at more than 20 charity homes and old folk’s homes.
“Some in the audience also sing along.
“This is yet another reminder of the beauty of Malaysia, where people of all walks of life can be united through music,” he said after the performance at Legoland Malaysia Hotel and Resort.
Jared, who is also a guitar teacher, said the church had performed carols at three hotels.
“We also visited and performed Christmas carols at over 20 charity homes and old folk’s homes.
“Our satellite churches have had more performances in public spaces such as malls and hotels, making it almost 15 performances,” he said, adding that they had been carolling since the second week of December.
Ang says the carolling experience is a good feeling.
A caroller, Iris Ang Hui Hua, 21, said, “It brings me so much joy to see the audience enjoy the songs. To me, that is the true meaning of Christmas.
“I started carolling for the first time last year. The experience made me feel so good, and I decided to do it again this year and hope to do so in the years to come.”
Among those spotted enjoying the performance were Filipino Arnold Adorna and his family.
“We were in Singapore for about three days and decided to stop by Johor Baru before heading to Kuala Lumpur for the rest of our vacation.
“It is nice to see how people in other countries show Christmas spirit.
“We will be back in Manila for Christmas, but I am glad we were able to experience the festivities here before returning,” said the father of two. – By VENESA DEVI
