Welcome! Welcome! The haunting Ghost of Christmas Past greets you!
Samantha Lim, dressed up as the Ghost of Christmas Past, greeting guests at the main entrance.
This Christmas, CERC brought the classic Christmas Carol back to life through Christmas production and a plethora of soul-stirring talks. Accompanied by the smells of popcorn filling the air and vibrant conversations accompanying it, we explored Scrooge’s resistance to the life that lacked nothing under God, and perhaps our own resistance too.
People enjoying lively discussions while snacking on popcorn on Christmas Eve
Ebenezer Scrooge is a classic character that has almost faded away from common memory. He was once known by every child for his unbridled greed and treatment of those poorer than him. One Christmas, he was visited by 3 ghosts to show him the error in his ways.
But CERC’s retelling of the Christmas Carol was not to answer the plea to “bring back the classics!” (sorry teachers). Scrooge’s tale was retold to serve a bigger purpose than teaching children and adults about being kind and generous. His story served to make one point and one point only – that we are to be rich toward God, and not rich toward this world.
Many found the production a timely reminder of James 5:1 – 3 as all the riches Robert Scrooge owned judged him further. “The ghosts were my favourite part of the production! Every word Robert (the productions version of Scrooge) said at the funeral came back to literally haunt him and show him he was against God!” said Christine Liew, a member candidate at CERC.
A scene from the production, where Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Past who convicts him of his impending miseries.
The talks were another highlight for the day. Reuben, who also directed the amazing production, preached for the first time on stage. So did Lucas, and Yip Li Qi! All these men are part of the Church Minister Apprenticeship program where for 2 years, they test their giftings and suitability for Full Time Paid Ministry.
Together, they boldly proclaimed that the perfect gift is not in riches, but changed lives that can live to God amidst suffering. And the only way to have this perfect gift is through changed lives transformed through Jesus — the reason we celebrate Christmas each year.
(Top L-R) Lucas Tan and Reuben Chua; (bottom L-R) Yip Li Qi, and Shaun Alex Thomas preaching on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Altogether, it was a Christmas well spent with CERC. Members and regulars at CERC were thankful to spend another year gathered, living for God and seeing His work come to past.
Together, our hope for 2025 is that we may continue to be rich in love and mercy, always remembering that we lack nothing from our Father who withholds no good gifts.
Carmen bringing baby John for his first Christmas Eve!
The Music Team singing joyfully of the birth of Christ
People worshipping in song at Ground Floor on Christmas morning.
