An inflatable Santa, cocooned in trees covered with sparkling Christmas lights – each one shining like a child’s dream of a bright tomorrow – looked on as the Northward Road Park carol service began.

Bodden Town MLA Mark Scotland began by asking everyone to remember all those near and dear to them who had departed since the last year’s carol service, with a moment’s silence.

A single child from the audience was invited to throw the switch that lit up one little corner of the world with brilliant, shining light.

Next, with eyes full of wonder at the spreading seasonal magic of goodwill, the Candles of Friendship, symbolising the never-dying love between friends, family and neighbours, were lit. Guests waved the little lights from side to side as Kristi Watler sang:

“So carry your candle, run to the darkness. Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn. Hold your candle for all to see it. Take your candle and go light your world.” 

The yearly carol service at the end of Northward Road has become a true, shining light of neighbourly love and friendship. As year follows year, the little display of lights has grown to be more and more spectacular.

There was music from Noel Wallace, who led the carolers in their joyful, seasonal songs, and from a little group of four musicians from the Cayman Islands Marching Band. But nobody could have captured the evening’s feeling better, as Erica Scotland read the poem titled, ‘A Christmas Wish’:

“May your journeys be short, your

burdens light

May your spirit never grow old

May all your clouds have silver linings

And your rainbows pots of gold

I wish this all and so much more

May all your dreams come true

May you have a Merry Christmas friend

And a happy New Year, too”

Pastor Winston Rose brought a brief Christmas message, before blessing the food.

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