An Advent-urous (and moving) Experience
As a non-Tamil and somewhat lapsed churchgoer I was a little nervous about attending the London Tamil Christian Congregation’s Advent Carol Service in Hammersmith on the 8th December. However I have the good fortune to have a member of the congregation as a work colleague and good friend who had invited me to attend. This being Christmas, I had a certain nostalgia for attending a carol service and for spending some quiet time within an established church setting.
So it was with some trepidation that I set off on the 391 bus towards the church which I had seen only from the outside on many of my numerous shopping trips to King Street. But I need not have worried. Once inside busy within the bustling congregation I chose a seat at the back and the lady next to me, possibly sensing my nerves quickly assured me that it was a mixed service and there would be both English and Tamil spoken throughout and this kind gesture made me feel welcome at once. I was amazed at the sheer beauty that surrounded me, the sumptuous coral and light pinks of the flower arrangements, and the twinkling Christmas tree lights were echoed in the beautiful traditional saris worn by many of the women, all pinks and oranges echoing the flowers, with glittering bracelets, necklaces and sequins echoing the Christmas lighting at the altar. This external sparkling spectacle, however much it is a part of the seasons festivities, was not, what was for me the truly moving part of the service, from the moment the choir came in and began singing I was genuinely moved to tears. I did not need to understand the words to appreciate the spirituality and sincerity which I felt they conveyed through their singing. The piano, violin and drums were exceptional, especially the drums which gave each song a truly contemporary feel to which I could relate, especially the wonderful “rap” version of a hymn beautifully sung by the young boys which made us all smile at the back!
In her inspiring message the Revd. Jessie Anand spoke of how important carols are to the Christian experience of Christmas, she remembered being a little girl in her village in Southern India, singing carols and she spoke of the power of carols how they are both sad and happy at the same time. A feeling I very much related to. She also spoke about how it was important to come together at this time, “whether we are Jews or Christians or Muslims” we all have to live together in peace as Christ had shown us by coming to earth and living amongst us. I thought it was a lovely message and again I felt she was welcoming me as a non Tamil into this lovely gathering.
The Youth Choir sang In Dulci Jubilo so sweetly and looked so beautiful in their non traditional outfits worthy of any Vogue fashion shoot, but again it was the sweetness in their hearts and the promise of the future which was so impressive.
By the end when it came time to sing Silent Night I could hardly get my words out I was so moved! But the arrival of Santa who we had been told had just been given “clearance to land in Hammersmith” cheered us all no end with his pantomiming and crazy dancing.
When it came time for the thanks, I truly agreed with the gentleman who said “Well I am gobsmacked that was truly amazing wasn’t it? “ and of course he reminded us all that this service had taken months to prepare, that of course the flowers did not just arrange themselves, that the choir, the youth, the youngsters and the musicians had spent months preparing this carol service which has given so much joy. “The next one” he said “will be on the 14th of December next year” I turned to the lady next to me and said “Well I for one am coming to that one!”
Thank you all at LTCC for reminding me of what Christmas is really all about!
by Alex Michon