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Choir members from four Apostolic Faith churches (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; Washington D.C.; and Hempstead, New York) combined on December 18 to present a Christmas concert in Hempstead. After practicing in their respective churches for weeks, the musicians gathered for a collective practice on December 17 in preparation for the concert, which included many Christmas favorites, as well as classical numbers from Haydn, Beethoven, and Handel. Special highlights were a brass quartet playing renditions of well-known Gospel revival songs, followed by the youth’s variations of Handel’s “For Unto Us a Child Is Born.”
Another highlight was the presentation of “Christmastime,” by Michael W. Smith and Joanna Carlson, arranged by Lloyd Larson. A children’s choir from the elementary Sunday school departments of the various churches sang along with their parents, Sunday school teachers, and other adults. The performance received resounding applause from the audience, and it was thrilling to see these young musicians being groomed for God’s service.
The audience stood for the finale as the choir sang the “Hallelujah Chorus,” with trumpet accompaniment, as well as Seyi Asaya on the organ. The concert concluded with the children’s choir singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the concert, and visitors were impressed with the musical talent presented. One visitor commented that she felt the presence of the Lord as soon as she entered the church.
On Christmas Day, the Sunday school students presented a drama titled “Because of God’s Love,” which portrayed a couple’s determination to celebrate Christmas in a different manner by inviting the less fortunate to their home for dinner. In spite of dissuasion from neighbors and fellow church members, they remained resolute in their determination to demonstrate God’s love to others. The climax was the narration of the Christmas story from the Bible, reflecting the reason Jesus came to earth. The audience was moved by this presentation portraying reconciliation, restitution, repentance, forgiveness, and most of all, God’s love for mankind.
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The Christmas events wrapped up with the annual winter revival the last week of December. The theme verses were
John 11:25-26, and the first sermon by Oyedele Coker focused on preparing for revival, including seeking God with the whole heart and removing anything that may be a hindrance. This powerful message sparked a spiritual awakening that was evident in the remaining services. One officiating minister exhorted the congregation to prepare for the Rapture of the Church because the present world conditions signal that Christ’s coming is soon. The revival concluded with a message on eternity, which could begin at any moment for each and every one, and the need to be ready for Heaven. All who participated in the week-long revival were truly blessed and revitalized to give God their all during the year to come.