Technically, it was not my first visit to PLMC since I had numerous occasions to grace the place, all thanks to the little 太子爷 at home. But it was my FIRST time attending a Sunday Mass though. The church, almost all, had the same way of welcoming newcomers and how do they identify you? Either you volunteered yourself or someone else volunteers you as 1st-timer. Nevertheless, I told my sister that we had to act as if we are old-timers and she thinks I am being crazy.
As I entered the Sanctuary, I was wow-ed by the majestic of the stained glass windows. The high pointed ceilings reminded me once again of how a chapel should look like, with my experience of church shopping in Europe a few years back. We walked in and settled on the side pews on the right, next to the sound systems. There on the stage, stood six, with one of them, a lady taking center-stage. I presumed she is the worship leader, whereas the musician resided by the side. She took the mic and started to sing. My, she had powerful vocals and as she worship and serenaded, the echo filled the whole sanctuary. What amazes me is that, I had always the notion that, Methodist churches are more solemn and only sing hymns. But boy, was I wrong! They sang upbeat songs just like my church and all other Charismatic/ Evangelistic etc churches do. I had never heard any of the songs before but they were melodious with beautiful lyrics that sings of GOD’s holiness and wonderfulness. My favourite part of the service has always been the praise and worship and is of no exception even in this church.
After the praise and worship, we were seated as we prepared our hearts for a time of giving, tithes that is, then came flowing from the side of stage, came four little kids, 3 girls and 1 boy. And they started to play on the strings of the harps. It was marvelously displayed, a slew of Christmas carols. They played really beautifully. You could feel their innocence, sincerity, and of course their hard work as well. I was touched and am sure God will be very proud of these little kids, to me, this is also a form of worship.
As Christmas approaches, with all the lightings decorations, gifts and endless playing of carols, let’s not forget the real meaning and purpose of Christmas. It is not a season for gathering and feasting only, it is a day that we all rejoice because a Messiah was born on this day, more than 2000 years ago. It was and still is a gift from GOD, a gift so heavy and precious that none of us is good enough to receive. But our GOD is a gracious GOD, full of compassion for His people. And that through His Son, Jesus Christ, we receive salvation. A gift so generously given to each of us, so as long we open our hearts to receive Jesus Christ, as our personal Saviour. He is knocking on the door of your heart, listen intently, did you hear it? He is waiting for you, no matter what happens, no matter how long it takes, He is always there, waiting for you to open that door and let Him into your heart. Have you open your door to Him yet?