“Feliz Navidad! Feliz Navidad!” resonated joyously as the Wesley Percussion Team took centre stage on 19 December 2023 at Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS). The annual event was held at the performance stage outside ION Orchard. Dressed in vibrant red, our percussionists exuded passion, creating a festive atmosphere that embraced the true spirit of Christmas. The Wesley Percussion Team showcased their musical prowess with instruments like the Cajon, Conga and Bongo, complemented by the melodic harmony of keyboardists, guitarists and the choir. What a multi-talented team!
Before the performance, the crowds and tourists from the nearby malls had already lined the steps outside ION Orchard to participate in this interactive carolling performance. Homemade green bean can shakers were handed out and many gamely participated at the percussion team’s rhythmic cues. Others bobbed and chimed in as the team belted out popular tunes such as ‘Joy To The World’, ‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’. Without a doubt, the Wesley Percussion Team took over the streets of Orchard with their lively performance and merry-making that evening.
This is the 20th year of CCIS. As a charity platform partnering with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Orchard Road Business Association, CCIS brings together Christian churches and individuals for the annual Christmas light-up events.
Along with other Christian organisations and as part of the Christmas festivities on Orchard, Wesley set up our hospitality booth near Takashimaya Shopping Centre from 16 – 22 December 2023, 6 – 10pm. The purpose of the booth is to share the timeless Christmas story with members of the public. Little children gathered round the magic and balloon artist, enthralled as he effortlessly twisted long balloons into various animals. One of our volunteers Vincent Oei donned the outfit of a wise man on a camel, and he caught the attention of many passers-by who stopped to check out our booth. Vincent expressed that he enjoyed volunteering and interacting with the children who came by. The hospitality team seized the opportunity to share the Christmas story with visitors who came to our booth. They also invited them to join us for our Christmas services. At our corner, there was even a photo booth complete with angel wings which provided a picturesque reminder—the message at our photo booth was simple but meaningful.
“Love came down at Christmas. The birth of Christ is God’s gift of divine love.”
Indeed, Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas and a testimony of God’s love for us. Wesley’s presence at CCIS was not just about performances and festive booths; it was about spreading the love and joy that define the true meaning of Christmas. As we celebrated alongside everyone, we aimed to ensure that God’s love was felt through every note, every interaction and every festive moment orchestrated by Wesley.
Photos by Jacqueline Lok, CJ Goh and Julian Wee
More CCIS photos are available here.
Read also: Celebrating Christmas at Berseh
