By Lolu Ogunmade
The Christmas season is fully upon us and evidence of the festivities are all around, though predominantly low-key. The effects of the prevalent economic environment on the purchasing power of many, if not most people, are seen in the disposition of citizens, though they all want to celebrate nonetheless.
The Sheperd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Reverend Chris Okotie and the church members are, however, not drawing back from celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as glamorously as they have become known for. The entire length of the street, named after the church, is once again a sight to behold and to experience for anyone who is still struggling to get into the Christmas mood and groove. The lights are so many and so beautifully laid out with many motifs, carrying amazing designs that tend to translate one into a different place automatically.
The Household of God street in the Oregun area of Ikeja, is a place that residents of the area and axis always look forward to seeing at this time of the year, as it has become traditional to look forward to what the Technical crew of the church, with all volunteers will come up with. This year’s finished product definitely will not disappoint any visitor to the church and street.
The Pastor, Reverend Okotie is known to always reiterate to anyone listening, the importance of the church and Christians at large, celebrating the birth of the Savior of the world with as much splendor and flamboyance as possible. Jesus is after all, the Light of the world.
A tradition that the church has maintained for many years now is the singing of Christmas Carols by the choirs of the different month-groups in the ministry. This year’s Carol competition has seen ten of the twelve months perform their chosen Carols in the services for the past five weeks while the remaining two months did their Carols on the 18th of December, the same day that hosted this year’s Queen Esther Costume Pageant.
The Queen Esther Costume Pageant did not hold in 2020 due to the Covid 19 restrictions and the reigning Queen has been in office for two years, only the second time that has happened since the pageant was instituted. Twenty-four ladies displayed the costumes they have spent months preparing to represent the biblical characters they portray well enough to emerge as the winner. Miss Peace Babs-Olorunfemi is the winner of this year’s Queen Esther.
After the GRACE Program on the 18th of December the church will be celebrating Christmas with a morning service on Christmas day after which the Hallelujah Party will be held in the evening of December 26th, 2021. During the party members of the church present dress up in various bible themed costumes and have a funfair in the spirit of the season. It can be perceived as an extension of the Queen Esther costume pageant though the Hallelujah party is an older tradition of the church.
There is no doubting the fact that Christmas time in the Household of God is a time of great celebration. The question lies in whether you will be there to celebrate with the Reverend gentleman and the members of the church.
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