On Sunday evening 14 December, 2008 VIC hosted their first “Carols by Candlelight” concert at the Hort Park Event lawn. We expected it would become one of Singapore’s most loved family Christmas events, and judging by the turnout of 500+ Singaporeans and Internationals it has a bright future.

Carols by Candlelight is an outdoor Christmas musical evening on the lawn, where many family and friends enjoyed a picnic on the grassy lawn – while enjoying the international musical talent such as Canadian soprano and VIC member Kathy Wallace, Filipino pop group ADE, and B5 brass quintet ably compeered James Tan and his daughter Rebecca. Others came to sing the traditional carols that return us to the reason for the season supported by the 30 member Carols by Candlelight choir, and for some it was a nostalgic reminder of similar events in their home countries like Australia and New Zealand. A special moment took place when the Christmas candles (provided in the appetizing gift bag) were lit to remind us we are to bring love, joy and peace to ourselves and others, and Pastor Hocklin simply recapped the age-old but still up-to-date story of the Advent of Christ.