A Joyous Celebration: Christmas Extravaganza
A Day Filled with Youthful Merriment, Festive Brunch and Soul-Stirring Music
Sunday, December 17, 2023, marked a day of festive cheer and spiritual celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Georgia, as the congregation gathered for their annual Christmas presentation. The highlight of the day was the heartwarming showcase by the children during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. The event unfolded seamlessly, thanks to the dedication of the youth leaders who played an integral role in ensuring a magical and memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
Morning Festivities: With big smiles, the children took center stage during the worship service. The annual Christmas presentation, “Behold The Star,” was a testament to the talent and enthusiasm of the young members. From captivating performances to heartfelt recitations, the children left the congregation with the joyous spirit of the season. Special commendations were extended to the youth leaders who worked tirelessly to guide and support the children, ensuring a presentation that warmed the hearts of all present.
Christmas Social and Brunch: Following the worship service, the festivities continued with a Christmas Social that brought the community together in the spirit of fellowship. The Sons of Allen showcased their culinary talents by preparing a delicious brunch that satisfied both the appetite and the soul. The fellowship hall, transformed into a winter wonderland, owed its enchanting atmosphere to a creative team of volunteers. The decorations added a touch of magic, creating a warm and inviting space for all to enjoy.
Angel Tree Christmas Ministry: Our Angel Tree Christmas Ministry, sponsored by the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society and other members of our congregation, has allowed us to minister to many children in our community by delivering a gift, an encouraging word, and a personal message of love on behalf of their mom or dad who is incarcerated. Each year, we register with the Prison Fellowship, which gives us a list of children in our area. We then contact the caregivers for permission to participate and get each child’s clothing sizes and toy preferences. The congregation is then invited to gather the names of children to purchase gifts for, with each kid receiving a present of clothing and a toy. The gifts are then wrapped with a note from the parent and the families come to church to pick up the gifts. We were blessed this year to serve 21 families and 52 children.
Evening Concert: “Behold The Lamb of God”: As the sun set, the St. James AME Church celebration entered its crescendo with the much-anticipated annual Spiritual Christmas Concert, titled “Behold The Lamb of God.” The church was filled with eager attendees ready to be transported by the soul-stirring melodies and timeless message of the Christmas season. The Mass Choir, under the direction of the talented Bro. Mark Newson delivered a breathtaking performance that resonated with the true meaning of Christmas. Each song performed was a testament to the deep-rooted faith and commitment of the choir members.
Conclusion: The events at St. James AME Church on Sunday, December 17, 2023, were more than mere celebrations; they reflected the unity, faith, and joy that define the Christmas season. From the innocence of the children’s presentation to the festive brunch, the joy of giving through the Angel Tree Ministry, and the awe-inspiring evening concert, the day was a tapestry of love, community, and spirituality. As the congregation left the church, hearts were aglow with the warmth of the season, and the echoes of “Behold The Lamb of God” lingered in the air, a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season.
About St. James AME Church: Saint James AME Church, located at 1002 6th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, was organized in 1863, and the property on which it currently stands was given to the AME Church by an act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873. Saint James is the second oldest church of its denomination in Georgia. It continues to meet the needs of God’s people within the greater Columbus area and to serve the African American community as a center for educational, professional, and civic meetings. In June 2023, Pastor B. A. Hart was appointed the 49th Pastor of Saint James AME Church. He hails from Athens, Georgia, through Chester, Pennsylvania, and has served God’s people for over forty years as a Senior Pastor.
