‘The light will bring joy’ - Christmas Sunday brings message of hope for 2021
Published:Monday | December 28, 2020 | 12:14 AMJonielle Daley/Staff Reporter
Hungry for fellowship and worship at the end of a year of great challenges, Christians came out in their numbers for the three Christmas Sunday services at the Waltham Park New Testament Church of God (NTCOG) in St Andrew yesterday.
Careful to adhere to COVID-19 protocols – including social distancing, mask wearing, sanitisation, and number of persons allowed to gather – worshippers showed that Waltham Park NTCOG continues to operate as a church by the people for the people.
Lead Pastor the Reverend Dr Stephenson Samuels emphasised to Jamaicans both home and abroad (including those tuned in online) that in the midst of the darkness, there can be light.
“As we enter into 2021, may I assure you that weeping may endure but for a night in the darkness, but when the light comes, joy is going to come with it,” he told the gathering.
In his Christmas Sunday message, themed ‘the Christ of Christmas over Crisis’, guest speaker Pastor Michael Criagg reaffirmed that “this gloom will not last forever”.
Congregants threw their hands up, dancing in praise, and knocked tambourines perfectly in sync with the beat of Christmas-themed songs as they held on to the hope of the message.
INCREASING OUTREACH
Reverend Samuels told The Gleaner that throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the New Testament Church of God body continued to provide for the needy, increasing its outreach initiatives as all 378 branches across Jamaica were given COVID relief funds.
In December alone, the Waltham Park NTCOG aided over 1,000 persons with meals and care packages. Most of the meals were provided through a golden-age banquet and senior citizens club feeding programme and were distributed throughout Kingston and St Catherine using the church’s mobile system.
“We also have a home for the aged that we operate full time and sponsor 100 per cent,” he shared, also mentioning a special programme for teens.
A member of the public relations team, Sandra Barnett, explained that the Benevolence Bargain Centre played an integral role in the raising of funds to support the various programmes, with new and used items sold at very affordable costs.
“The money goes towards persons who are in need, not just at the church, but persons in the community,” said Barnett.
Reverend Samuels shared that on Christmas Day, members of the congregation went carolling and evangelising throughout the Waltham Park community.
“On Christmas morning we were busy engaging the community, spreading good news and cheer,” said Rev Samuels.
On New Year’s Eve, the Waltham Park NTCOG will be conducting its Watch Night service in two phases. The first will be a baptismal service from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and the second will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am.