Orchard Road is beautifully lit up for the Christmas Season. Thousands of people, local and from overseas visit the area everyday and night. I took the bus, stopped outside Tang Plaza and walked to Plaza Singapura where there is the Nativity Village. A stage is set up there and choirs and musical groups sing carols nightly. Drama groups put on plays about the coming of Jesus.
Many young people dressed up as Mary and Joseph, soldiers, shepherds,wise men and angels mingle with the crowds every night.
Nightly performance are given by different Christian groups from 7-11 p.m. all along Orchard Road. Young people give out tracts and I even received a packet of tissue with "Jesus loves you" in Chinese printed on it.
There is a lovely international atmosphere. The performers are not all Singaporeans. Among those taking part are Christians from all over the world particularly from the Asean countries.
Mingling among the crowds are people of all races and religions. Certainly there is plenty of freedom here despite the criticisms of some westerners about our type of democracy. We all have freedom to choose our own religion. Mosques are allowed their minarets, churches have their crosses, Hindu temples have carvings of their gods, Chinese temples have their dragons.
And we all can celebrate Christmas and do not have to change the name to Winterval or simply refer to it as a festive season. Yes, we boldly celebrate the Incarnation of Christ and we called it CHRISTMAS!
It's not just Orchard Road, but all over Singapore - Suntec City, Vivo City, Chinatown, plus all the shopping Plazas and hotels are beautifully decorated.
The Brazil Continental Singers are here to perform for Christmas.
Make a trip to Orchard Road and see for see for yourself. It's worth the effort.
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