Preparing for a pandemic Christmas

​by REY LAMBATIN, Choir Director

It’s October, and our CGS leadership has started planning for Christmas in this pandemic. To be honest, I’m getting weary of talking about the pandemic. And I’m quite sure several of us share this feeling. Partly because of the frustration that this pandemic is still here due to the lack of action from our government and its leadership. And talking about it 7 months in is like poking a wound that won’t heal. It could be irritating or painful. But this is still our reality, and yes, now we have to prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas in it. And we will have to expect that everything is going to be different, which will not be particularly easy for our fellowship-loving, tradition-honoring, hug-sharing CGS family. But sharing one of my favorite verses (in fact, it is the signature in my emails), Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse always reminds me to dwell on things that are positive, that no matter how bad the situation may be, look for the beauty and good in it. This definitely has helped me and continues to help me get through some of my down moments. Developing this kind of mindset teaches me to have hope, no matter what, and encourages me to always have faith. So, I’m also encouraging everyone to prepare to celebrate the biggest holiday of the year with this perspective and try to look for the beauty and good in this approaching pandemic Christmas. Our CGS leadership is trying really hard to make our celebration joyful and meaningful for everyone, despite our current situation. Part of this year’s plan is having as many CGS members sing with the virtual choir for the carols and hymns we will be singing for the Christmas Eve worship. These will be familiar Christmas songs that we’ve sung in the past years, like “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High”. In the following weeks, I will be sending out an email with detailed information regarding this, and I highly encourage everyone to participate. I’m hoping that in our own, different way of sharing music, we can still continue to spread the spirit of the season to everyone. A pandemic Christmas may be different, but with hope and faith, it can still be joyful, meaningful, beautiful, and good, with everyone’s help.

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