On December 18, 2022, the Gospel Bible Baptist Church Ensemble graced the church and its guests with a meaningful concert to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Before the GBBC Ensemble serenaded their audience, Pastor Godwyn shared a short message about celebrating Christmas. Christmas is usually celebrated by putting up Christmas decorations, buying presents, and getting together with friends and families. However, people tend to forget the true reason why we celebrate this occasion. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The significance of Christmas: 1. It is the fulfillment of prophecy. The birth of Jesus Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament. His birth in the form of a man is the fulfillment of this prophecy. This reminds us that our God is powerful and keeper of His vows. 2. It reminds us of God's love. The first phrase of John 3:16 describes how great God’s love for us – because He loves the world, He gave His only begotten Son. God showed His love when He called us His children and in turn, we call Him as our Lord and savior. 3. It reminds us of God’s greatest gift and promise. The greatest gift that we received is our salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the fulfillment of God’s promise of saving us from fires of hell. Without Christ’s birth, His promise will not be fulfilled. We celebrate Christmas because our Lord is alive and powerful. Through Him, we are given hope to have a new life and experience salvation. GBBC Ensemble presents… Through their God given talents, the ensemble showcased several Christmas hymns, narrating the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, His power and creation, His love towards men and giving praise to His name. Part 1. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ The ensemble performed Carol of the Bells, How Great Our Joy, Christmas Blessing, He gave the Greatest Gift of All and Angels We Have Heard on High to tell us that Jesus Christ was born and given unto us. We should celebrate the birth of our Lord and be awe in His glory for He gave us a new life to live. Part 2. Recognizing His power and wonderful creation The audience was then reminded of God’s power through the ensemble’s rendition of God of Wonders and Then Sings My Soul How Great Thou Art . From those that are in heaven and in the earth, God had wonderfully orchestrated these marvelous creations for us to receive and share His overflowing love. The string ensemble then filled the church with the melodies of The First Noel and O Come All Ye Faithful as part of their intermission number. Part 3. Reflecting on His overflowing love towards us As children of God, we must reflect on His promise that He will give us hope no matter what we go through on our journey. His love is enough to clean all wounds, restore our souls and uplift our spirits. His love and majesty were celebrated through the ensemble’s performances of How Can I Keep from Singing and The Majesty and Glory of Your Name. Part 4. Giving praise to His name To conclude the celebration, the ensemble gave their powerful piece of The Light of a Million Mornings and More than Wonderful. These songs reminded us that we must praise the Lord for He is good and faithful. We must show the world His marvelous works and power over us all. This Christmas, let us remember that Christ is the reason for this season. He was born, served as a man and died, to give us the greatest gift of all – our salvation. Led by Shimeah Aguinaldo, the Ensemble’s conductor and directress, the GBBC Ensemble is composed of Ericka Adille, Bea Aguinaldo, Cynthia Dizon, Em Gacad, Rebekah Gayeta, Odessa Maminta, Richelle Maranan, and Fe Suarez (sopranos); Aliyah Aguinaldo, Chloe Aguinaldo, Izzah Aguinaldo, Sophie Aguinaldo, Leah Joy Gayeta, Sweet Manalo, and Tin Pervera (altos); Raphael Pacheco, Jenzhel Sanchez, and Kevin Sanchez (tenors); and Jose Apollos Aguinaldo, Jose Ezekiel Aguinaldo, Jose Paolo Aguinaldo, and Angelo Bautista (bass). The 2022 Christmas Cantata was made possible with the guidance and supervision of Joseph Aguinaldo, GBBC’s choir leader and with the help of the technical team: Oscar Aguinaldo, Steven Caramoan, and Samuel Pacheco. /written by: Colleen de Ocampo
/photos by: Althea Lardizabal /published by: Em Gacad
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