A 68-year Christmas tradition lives on in Panama
By David Young
Scores of worshipers carrying lighted candles filed down the steps of Balboa Union Church on Christmas Eve, and planted them on the church lawn.
Scores of worshipers carrying lighted candles filed down the steps of Balboa Union Church on Christmas Eve, and planted them on the church lawn.
They were perpetuating a tradition that started in Panama sixty eight years ago only days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, that brought the Unites States into the Second World War.
Panama had been introduced to the blackout as the clouds of war spread from Europe, involving thousands of U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen stationed in the Canal Zone.{jathumbnail off}
Two young servicemen wanted to light candles in honor of their loved ones at home, and approached the Minister of the church.
Mrs Marie Van Clief a member of the congregation, approached the Governor of the Canal Zone and the Commander of the Armed Forces and obtained permission for the placing of the candles on the lawn after the Christmas Eve service.
The ceremony has been repeated every year since, drawing worshipers and high dignitaries from many denominations of the Christian faith, seeking to symbolizing bringing light to a world of darkness.
The bi-lingual service was conducted by the Reverend Luis V. Veagra, and included a choir of music students from the University of Panama, a children’s choral group led by Sadie Taylor who also gave two solo performances.
Carols and hymns including English, Spanish and Caribbean favorites were sung by the choirs and congregation, accompanied by Reynaldo Taylor at the piano.
At the conclusion of the service, the University choir led the congregation singing Silent Night as they carried their lighted candles. to plant them on the lawn, boarding the pathway leading to the entrance
Altogether a refreshing contrast to the canned music emanating from the Cinta Costera, or in stores with Buy,Buy, Buy as the Christmas message.
