Brothers In Faith Rejoice At International Christmas Event
Story and photo by Dan Bowen, CFAY Public Affairs

Members of the Yokosuka City Committee Gospel Choir greet the audience after their performance at the International Christmas Celebration held here at the Chapel of Hope Dec. 12. More than 500 people from both on and off the base attended the event.

Sailors, civilians, family members and their Japanese counterparts filled the Chapel of Hope to listen to scripture, sing, dance and eat at the 28th annual International Christmas Celebration Dec. 12.

“International Christmas is our biggest event,” said Religious Programs Specialist Seaman Tiffany Jimenez. “We invite other choirs and people from outside the gate to come and celebrate Christmas with us here at the Chapel of Hope.”

The evening included scripture readings of Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 9:6, and John1:1-14. Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen served as a guest speaker, CFAY Chapel of Hope Chaplain Barry Metzger gave the invocation and Commander Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) Force Chaplain John Swanson provided the Christmas message. CFAY Chapel of Hope Chaplain Cory Thornton and his family performed the lighting of the Advent Candle and the benediction was given by Pastor Kensei Yokomizo from the Yokosuka First Church of Christ.

“We are grateful to see citizens from the United States, Japan and other countries worshipping with us,” said Owen during his remarks. “It is fitting to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as a community of faith. Though our cultures and language may differ, the message of peace on earth and good will to men everywhere brings us together in spirit.”

The night became especially joyous when choirs from on and off base took the stage. The Combined Chapel Choir, Yokosuka City Committee Gospel Choir (YCC) and the Yokosuka Church of the Korean Christian Church in Japan performed throughout the celebration energizing the crowd and creating an exuberant atmosphere.

The event was nothing new for YCC Director Thomas Givens and his fellow singers, who have been performing gospel, classical and other styles of music in Yokosuka for more than 10 years, but the night is still something the whole group looks forward to participating in every year. The choir is comprised of a few Americans but the majority of its members are from the local community. “ They love coming on base and having the interaction with Americans,” said Givens.

“They love the chapel and when I say, ‘Chapel of Hope’, they’re ready to come because of the way they’re treated and they love to sing to Americans. It couldn’t be any better.”