Christmas Message 2021 - "May His Presence Be The Greatest Gift..." Ms. Elaine Sung

"As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you..."

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Reflections for Christmas 2021

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“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” sings Celine Dion.  Given this privilege by Andy to pen an article, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on 2021.  Perhaps a handful may have read my Easter article in this blog; if you have not, I’m sure it’s found in the archives (hint hint ;p).* This reflection continues my learning journey…

Post Easter, life continues to be impacted by COVID.  But more significantly, by another “c”- a dear family member’s diagnosis of stage 2 cancer. ☹  It was on Maundy Thursday when we collected the routine health report from the clinic.  Much to our surprise, a marker flagged something amiss and the full impact of it did not unravel till weeks after Easter as we ran tests after tests while dealing with the initial denial and fear of the unknown. 

I have to say this has been the biggest game-changer in my life by far.  Where is God when one is hit by a crisis (another “c”!)?  Thankful I have Christ (the big “C”!) who has been my anchor thorough it all. Though assured of His good purpose for it to happen, I had my share of questioning and lamenting.  It does not help that this family member is a fairly new Christian.  How do I respond to “why me” questions without sounding insensitive? What words of comfort can I offer when the pain brings a torrent of tears? What wisdom can I offer when the team of doctors are tweaking medication to address post operation pain? This brings me back to the start of my article, “what have I done?”  Many things have been scaled back not because of COVID measures, but because of being part of the care-giving team.  On hindsight, I see how God lead me out of a teaching role so I would have more time to spend with this family member.  Indeed, it’s a luxury to have time to just be around, not doing very much, but just being present.  To be present to help with physical mobility. To be present to catch priceless flashback moments of joys and regrets.  To be present to address questions like “who is there in heaven?”, “heaven so big, how will we find each other?” (I hasten to add I don’t have all the answers!). To be present to catch that tear, that painful cringe. To be present to pray.  To be present for the rest of family dealing with this crisis in their own ways.

& PRESENCE

As Christmas comes around and buying presents may take center stage; may I humbly suggest the gift of your presence (pun intended) to those dear to you.  One which money cannot buy and which only you can afford.  The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”, may we steward time and the different seasons of our life wisely.  Incidentally, these wise words can be found in the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds.

Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us”.  May His presence be the greatest gift you will receive.  

Blessed Christmas to all.

Thanks to Ms. Elaine Sung

for her reflections. 

*From the archives:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2021-ms.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflections-for-good-friday-2020-elaine.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/04/good-friday-took-on-new-meaning-ms.html

'Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel' - Enya 

YouTube Video from An Ghaoth Aniar.

Celine Dion - 'Happy Christmas [War is Over]'

An official Celine Dion YouTube video.

Images - Google.

Novena Church Services Records: 'The Primitives' Good Friday Easter Sunday

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The old Novena Church
My Good Friday and Easter Sunday Posting
3-5 April 2015

Part 1           

A group was formed and a recording made:

Redemptorist Brother Casimir Godebye (1922-2006), whose artistic talents contributed to the work of attracting many to the faith in Singapore, arrived in Singapore in July 1956 from Australia. He studied art and music before joining the Redemptorists in 1940. 

In the 1960's Brother Casimir took over the Novena church choir and started a youth group called *The Primitives. They gathered each Saturday evening to clean the church after the last Novena session and had fellowship and sing-along sessions. He used to say that music is needed to attract and hold the young people to religion.

In the mid-1970's he left the world of bands, choir and pop music, lived as a hermit in a retreat in India where he learned Christian meditation. He conducted classes when he came back to Singapore.  He passed on since at 84 years.

Extended Play Record Cover of The Primitives

                         
Some Sleeves Speak:

Glad that I found a vinyl copy of the youth group recording entitled, Sing-A-Long With The Primitives.  It is the only one by this choir if I am right, and it is a rare recording on the small Extended Play (EP). I was on my usual shopping around in a little town in Singapore.

The short literature on the back cover reads, "Our Folk Group is known as The Primitives, and we have come together, not with the intention of singing for fame, but simply to project the image of Christ.  This image is very much part of our work and prayers which we offer together.

In this album, we have chosen four numbers, one of which Cumbaya is our most loved song because there is always someone somewhere, pleading searching, praying. 'Come by here, my Lord come by here.'  We hope that after hearing our record you also, walk a little closer with Christ."

Record Information:

Side One: Rock My Soul In The Bosom of Abraham and Cumbaya

Side Two: When the Heavens Begin to Rock and Confidence.

The Primitives with altogether 60 teenagers (part of the choir at the redemptorist group) took three weeks of hard work to build a giant 50-foot by 20-foot Nativity Scene on 23 December 1968, to help project the real message of Christmas.

Hey, if you are in the picture above, part of the helpers or if you know anyone of them, please write in.

The church is now closed for a $45 million upgrade.

Information: A Catholic News Article: 2006 (Edited).

An SG50 Memory Trail Posting.


Images: Private Collection and from Mr Francis Oei.
This posting is original. 

Part 2
NEWS FLASH

16 September 2017.

The new Novena Church @ 300 Thomson Road, Singapore, 307653.
Novena Church at Thomson Road will re-open on 29 September 2017 @ 6.30 pm. after a 3-year renovation. 

2nd Recording found:

After two and a half years and putting up this post again Mr. Francis Oei wrote to me (16.09.2017) on Facebook, and sent me the covers of his second vinyl. Thank you, Mr. Oei.

Mr. Francis Oei on Facebook.

He wrote:
"Hi, Andy, where you got this record... done way back in late 60's. I am in the recording with my wife Doreen before we got married... we did a second EP with Havana Gila... etc... awesome... thanks for sharing. 

The second EP is The Glory Road. We were the original Primitives with Brother Casimir... great memories."

So there you are my dear readers. I shall try to interview Mr. Oei and try to get a history of these two recordings. 

Back Sleeve Print:

Songs: Side One: Christ My Friend, Let's Pray. Side Two: What Now My Love, 
The Glory Road.

"This is our second release and we hope that our music and songs will again bring to you the joy and happiness that was ours when we recorded it for you. Together with the Folk Singers we introduce The Primitives' band known as The Associates whose main aim, like ours is to bring souls a little closer to Christ, and we pray that one day you will work with us, ON THE GLORY ROAD."