The 48th Christmas Carol Service was held at the Holy Trinity Church, Dubai on Saturday, 10th December 2022 at 6.30 pm. The theme of the Carol service was "Who is this Tiny King?"
The Church Choir and the Junior Choir under the leadership of Mr.Juby K. Abraham (Choir Master) and Mr.Jino Mathew Joy (Assistant Choir Master), sang a selection of English and Malayalam carols, with traditional and modern elements, including "We adore You", "O Holy Child", "O Come all ye faithful", "Ningal Ketto Marupradeshe", "Mary’s Boy Child", "Panjamangal Paadi Veroo", "Go to Him in Bethlehem", "Arruru", "Who is this Tiny King?", "Maaalokarthan Paapum muttum akattuvaan", “O Lord Almighty”(“Domine Fili Unigenite”). The service ended, as is the tradition, with the congregation joining the Choir in singing the popular ancient carol "Silent Night! Holy Night!"
Rev. Binoy M. Tharian, Vicar, of the CSI Parish Sharjah gave the message during the Carol Service. With reference to the verse “Do not be afraid" (Luke 2:10), he spoke about the experience of removing fear from our life and replacing it with joy. Salvation is for all mankind, and not for a few. Christmas is about good news that brings great joy for all the people and has to be shared. In Luke 19, we read about Jesus becoming the guest of Zacchaeus the chief tax collector, who was a sinner and lived in fear of facing the society due to his corrupt life. When Jesus visited Zacchaeus, the latter's life was transformed from one full of fear to one filled with joy. This is the message of Christmas and has to be shared with those who are rejected in society. Achen reminded about the recent situations of abandoned patients in hospitals, who miss the happiness of Christmas. This emphasizes the need for Christ to be the centre of our celebrations.
Mr. Anil Idicula Mathew, Mr. Jithin Abraham and Ms. Neha Mariam George accompanied the Choir with the Keyboard and Tambourine. The narration for the Carol Service was done by Mrs. Ruby Edwin. Mr. Libini Eason George (Church Vice President) gave the Welcome speech and Mr. Anil Idicula Mathew delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas, Vicar, CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai and Rev. Charles Mathew Jeril, Vicar, CSI Parish Jebel Ali, led the prayers.
The complete carol service can be watched here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkUSyuDdDDM
Highlights of the day are available in the Photo Gallery : https://www.csidubai.com/gallery/37/christmas-carol-service-2022
The Carol songs play list is available on : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXff5LScw1nLim4BA2Sy3yvv_R3Gv8mEg
The event was also covered by the Malayalam Channel Mediaone, news video available here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKHK7AK4SoU