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Carol Singing at CFB Esquimalt (3/28/2008)

December 15, 2008 marked the start of CFB Esquimalt’s Annual Ship Lighting Contest. As a Fleet Chaplain I asked myself what type of contribution we as Chaplains could make to this most prestigious ceremony. And it came to me almost like a bolt of lightning!

This year had to be different, so why not add a Christian Christmas theme to the whole thing! What do Churches do best during the Christmas season? We sing Carols! It would be beneficial to include both civilian and military Church cooperation so I found 3 civilian Church Choirs including the Pacific Christian School Chamber Choir and invited them to come to the Base to sing Christmas Carols.

I asked the base chapels to participate in providing snacks for the choirs, and the concession stand offered free hot chocolate. For four peak days during the contest Jesus’ name was glorified in Christian Carols.

Each day had its trials however; the rain came down in torrents, to the point of the person in charge of setting up the sound system asking me whether we should set it up or not. I told her to go ahead. The minute she started the rain stopped, and did not begin until after the choir finished. This happened each evening a choir was scheduled to sing.

The mustard seed workers were so impressed that they asked if I could come along with them for their entire outdoor activities. I gave God the glory, praising Him for blessing us all. When we find ways to honour our Lord, He so often reciprocates our efforts ten fold, and we end up greatly blessed.

By Padre Steve Heemskerk
Chaplain Cdn Armed Forces

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