“My Island Christmas lighting the world”

By Yolanda Lavata’i 21 December 2018, 12:00AM

The annual My Island Christmas celebration revolves around the theme “lighting the world” this year and marks the fourth time it has been held.

The popular programme, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, started on December 15 with Tafatafa Ward, Pesega 2 Ward, Savaii Samoa Sagone Stake, Motoouta 1 Ward, and the Upolu Samoa South Stake dance groups taking the lead in the performances. 

Elder Fata, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the event is not new and was established in 1992, but was stopped in 2003 when the church’s first temple at Pesega was burnt in a fire. But he revived it after 13 years and it has since grown and become a part of the country’s festive season programmes.

The eight-day event strives to unite all religions and people in Samoa according to Elder Fata.

“The theme this year is to ‘light the world’ and there is no better way than lighting up the world, than together serving and sharing the experience together,” he added.

While other churches such as the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa have a similar programme called the “13 Days of Christmas”, Elder Fata said there is no competition between the churches and they all strive to work together.

“We have worked alongside other churches in hosting this event in the past times and we are grateful for the participation. But the whole purpose of My Island Christmas is for the whole nation and the spirit of giving, there is no competition. 

“We have had a wonderful performance by the CCCS choirs the previous nights and as well as other organizations, so far it has been spectacular,” he added.

The Island Christmas programme will conclude on December 23 and continue on Tuesday night at Sogi with the Siumu Uta Ward, Alafua Ward, Upolu Samoa Faleasiu Stake, Savaii Samoa South Stake providing entertainment. The programme also included a special appearance by the Vailima Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.

By Yolanda Lavata’i 21 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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