In the spirit: Christmas may not be white in this city but it’s still the coolest time of year
St Michael's Convent School holds nativity play.
KARACHI:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
The sound of the famous Christmas carol resonated throughout St Michael’s Convent School as students performed their annual holiday play, this year called “Grandmother tells a story of Christmas”.
Walking down the festively decorated corridors of the 24-year-old educational institution were family and friends of students and staff, all colourfully dressed up for the occasion. As the play began, the crowd settled in, keen to get a good view of the carefully set up stage depicting the manger where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
The play, as its name suggests, is about a local community’s elder known commonly as grandmother, telling the children of the area about the circumstances leading up to the birth of Christ. “It’s of a time long ago,” grandmother recites her lines from the play, “when a young woman named Mary of Nazareth was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David.” She goes on to tell the children and audience of the “miracle of reincarnation”. The story of when God sent his angel Gabriel to Mary telling her she was blessed and had been chosen as the mother of “the saviour”. Mary, a virgin at the time of Christ’s birth, was told to name her son Emmanuel, which she agreed to. Thus at the day of his birth, December 25, a star led three wise men and three kings to the birthplace of the saviour of all Christians. Every year for Christ’s birthday, people of the faith gather, make merry and rejoice. This year, however, is relatively low key. There are several reasons for this.
Valentine and Rita David’s two daughters study at St Michael’s, and one of them was performing in the play. “This year we plan to stay home. We might go to a play at church and perhaps a bonfire with friends at night but nothing too extravagant.”
Others seemed to share the sentiment. Shallum Xavier is a guitarist with music band Fuzon and a music producer with his own set-up. “In all honesty, I haven’t been preparing for Christmas this year at all,” he said. “I’m just not in the spirit. For some reason, it doesn’t feel right probably because of what the country is going through. We have not been in a happy phase the last four years. All festivities such as Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha as well as Christmas and other religious holidays aren’t being celebrated like they used to.” If nothing else he’ll probably end up watching the movie “Home Alone” this year.
On the other hand, some refused of let the Grinch steal their Christmas. At the residence of Ronald Sarfaraz, 42, a marketing manager with a media organisation, preparations were in full swing. His wife Christine and three children Edwin, Elkin and Marian were busy cutting decorations and ornaments for their Christmas tree, singing carols and enjoying others singing in their neighbourhood of Lawrence Road. Speaking about the traditions which have become an integral part of Christmas, Sarfaraz explains the story behind the cuddly Santa Claus. “There is no biblical reason behind the tree or Santa Claus, over time these traditions were picked up to add to the merriment. Santa was created from an incident a long time ago.
An elderly man wearing a red coat to keep himself warm was seen dropping off toys at doorsteps of the poor and as he went from one house to the next and his vehicle would skid in the snow. The concept remains the same — to help the widows, orphans and those in need at a time of joy to include them at time when all should feel loved and blessed.”
George with his three sons Simon, Samson and John is also busy prepping for the day. “Shopping is almost all done,” he said with obvious enthusiasm. “We just want to enjoy the season and need a reason to celebrate. My family and I are looking forward to midnight prayers on December 24 and a whole day of celebrating Christ’s birthday with all religious fervour. “
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2010.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
The sound of the famous Christmas carol resonated throughout St Michael’s Convent School as students performed their annual holiday play, this year called “Grandmother tells a story of Christmas”.
Walking down the festively decorated corridors of the 24-year-old educational institution were family and friends of students and staff, all colourfully dressed up for the occasion. As the play began, the crowd settled in, keen to get a good view of the carefully set up stage depicting the manger where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
The play, as its name suggests, is about a local community’s elder known commonly as grandmother, telling the children of the area about the circumstances leading up to the birth of Christ. “It’s of a time long ago,” grandmother recites her lines from the play, “when a young woman named Mary of Nazareth was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David.” She goes on to tell the children and audience of the “miracle of reincarnation”. The story of when God sent his angel Gabriel to Mary telling her she was blessed and had been chosen as the mother of “the saviour”. Mary, a virgin at the time of Christ’s birth, was told to name her son Emmanuel, which she agreed to. Thus at the day of his birth, December 25, a star led three wise men and three kings to the birthplace of the saviour of all Christians. Every year for Christ’s birthday, people of the faith gather, make merry and rejoice. This year, however, is relatively low key. There are several reasons for this.
Valentine and Rita David’s two daughters study at St Michael’s, and one of them was performing in the play. “This year we plan to stay home. We might go to a play at church and perhaps a bonfire with friends at night but nothing too extravagant.”
Others seemed to share the sentiment. Shallum Xavier is a guitarist with music band Fuzon and a music producer with his own set-up. “In all honesty, I haven’t been preparing for Christmas this year at all,” he said. “I’m just not in the spirit. For some reason, it doesn’t feel right probably because of what the country is going through. We have not been in a happy phase the last four years. All festivities such as Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha as well as Christmas and other religious holidays aren’t being celebrated like they used to.” If nothing else he’ll probably end up watching the movie “Home Alone” this year.
On the other hand, some refused of let the Grinch steal their Christmas. At the residence of Ronald Sarfaraz, 42, a marketing manager with a media organisation, preparations were in full swing. His wife Christine and three children Edwin, Elkin and Marian were busy cutting decorations and ornaments for their Christmas tree, singing carols and enjoying others singing in their neighbourhood of Lawrence Road. Speaking about the traditions which have become an integral part of Christmas, Sarfaraz explains the story behind the cuddly Santa Claus. “There is no biblical reason behind the tree or Santa Claus, over time these traditions were picked up to add to the merriment. Santa was created from an incident a long time ago.
An elderly man wearing a red coat to keep himself warm was seen dropping off toys at doorsteps of the poor and as he went from one house to the next and his vehicle would skid in the snow. The concept remains the same — to help the widows, orphans and those in need at a time of joy to include them at time when all should feel loved and blessed.”
George with his three sons Simon, Samson and John is also busy prepping for the day. “Shopping is almost all done,” he said with obvious enthusiasm. “We just want to enjoy the season and need a reason to celebrate. My family and I are looking forward to midnight prayers on December 24 and a whole day of celebrating Christ’s birthday with all religious fervour. “
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2010.