|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Freeport, Bahamas - This Christmas marks the fourth successive year, the Grand Bahama Community has celebrated
Joie de Noel
on the Labyrinth
in the Garden of the Groves. A musical depiction of the Christmas story
on the Sacred Path which, at Christmas-time symbolically represents the
long arduous journey taken by Mary and Joseph as they made their way to
Bethlehem on that first Christmas
Barbara Chester, founder of the Labyrinth, warmly
welcomed a good crowd and briefly spoke of love, truth, and peace, the true gift of Christmas.
The healing gardens around the Labyrinth remained discretely illuminated for the entry of the small choir to the chiming of the
Carol of the Bells.
The ensemble, Marjoke and friends, ceremoniously carried their candles
slowly around the Sacred Path to the centre flower, which symbolises
the Holy Birth place. Still with only candlelight, they sang
Silent Night, a capella, before quietly leaving Dalia Feldman in the centre to give her exquisite rendition of
Ave Maria.
Then came a crescendo of sound and lights; a
celebration in illumination! Trees and plants were festively bathed in
colour, and the majestic Tamarind, this year's 'Tree of Christmas', was
brightly adorned in beams of light and glittering jewels of fairy
lights.
The show continued with a blend of music and song, both sacred and secular, from our generous talented friends. Dora Brown and Marjoke sang the lovely
Panis Angelicus; Maria Scaglione, in a captivating red dress and overcoat, walked through the artificial snow sweetly singing,
I'll be home for Christmas; James Roker tenderly sang
Mary did you know?; and later demonstrated his vocal versatility (and dancing ability!) with
Joy to the World; Tony Lowe, with help from Dora, delighted us with
Someday at Christmas; and Marjoke's very special vocal style invited the answer to
Where are you for
Christmas? and
Do you hear what I hear?
With dimmed lighting, we heard Dalia's sweet voice reverently singing
O Holy Night. This was
followed by the processional walk of the
Three Kings following a
magnificent star. The kings, Nathaniel Lewis, Tony and James,
majestically sang their way to our Bethlehem and the Holy Babe.
The splendid performers finished on a high note with
Song of Joy. The
audience was encouraged to join in singing some favourite carols. Song
sheets and candles had been given (with the hot cocoa!) to everyone on
arrival The Labyrinth, was encircled in pretty flickering candlelight
and joyful singing which further lit up the magical garden. Everyone was
invited onto the Path in a true spirit on Oneness, to sing and to send
up written prayers and wishes over the flame of Christmas Candle... then came the grand finale, the lighting of a balloon which
lifted off and went sailing through the skies reminding us all of that
first great light!
There was more hot cocoa for friends joyfully departing with a message of peace, hope and love in their hearts, and
blessings from the Labyrinth.
© Copyright 2011 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|