By Chinwendu Uzoatu
It was a great gathering of talents, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as St. Cecilia’s Choir, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, G.R.A., Awka, presented Christmas Carol and Lessons.
The event with the theme: ‘Emmanuel, God With Us’ (Matthew 1:23), featured guest choirs, orchestra and saxophone interlude.
The first lesson from the book of Genesis 3: 8-19, was read by the Chairman of the event, Hon Barr. Uchenna Okonkwo-Okom, former Chief Whip, Anambra State House of Assembly, popularly known as Ifemba Oko; followed by other lessons.
In his remarks, Okonkwo-Okom expressed his delight on the event and stated that it was a great opportunity to come together, to feel the spirit of Christmas.
He commended the organisers and the parish priest who approved the program, and advised Christians to be mindful of the role of Christ in the salvation of mankind.
He said: “The birth of Christ and his journey of salvation of mankind, to his crucification, is not just a Bible story. It’s a real story that is also validated by history. A person was born of the Holy Spirit, without original sin, of the Virgin Mary and suffered under Pointus Pilate and died and was buried, rose on the third day and ascended into heaven. In a season like this, what we celebrate is the most remarkable event in human history.”
He reminded christians that the lessons that go with the birth of Christ should not be lost in the course of celebration.
“We should be mindful of the actual nature of the coming of Christ and what it brings to humanity. If we celebrate Christmas in a way that questions our appreciation or understanding of the purpose of the birth of Christ, then we have rubished the work done by Jesus Christ for humanity, the mission and purpose of salvation. I enjoin us to emulate the life of Christ, live the life that truly reflect us as true christians, followers of Christ,” he said.
On his part, the Parish Priest of St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Awka, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Oranye, stated that Christmas Carol is celebrated every year among Christians not only to rejoice and thank God for his deeds but also a time for them to stay together, in a lighter mood and get more preparation of the Christmas celebration.
He said: “It is for sharing joy among us and thank God for his love.”
Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Patron and a member of the choir, said that it was a reunion and coming together of talents of any given family by the fire side to sing, dance and make merry to commemorate the coming of Christ, in advent.
“A carol features songs, drama performances of all sorts. Today, St. Cecilia’s Choir brought many groups and their was singing competition, celebration and prices awarded for best performance,” he said.
The coordinator of St Cecilia’s Choir, Obinna Nnoruo; Organising Committee Chairman, Chioma Okpala and another chorister, Ijeoma Ezeugwa, in their different speeches, gave God all the glory for his goodness and the success of the event, even as they appreciated everybody that celebrated with them.
