SINGAPORE: Amidst the gift-buying and giving in Orchard Road, churches in Singapore have banded together to remind people how Christmas came about.

A modern take on the birth of Jesus is being performed outside Plaza Singapura. The shepherds may be groovier than they were 2,000 years ago, but they still play an important part in the Christmas story.

Part of an S$800,000 project organised by Singapore churches to celebrate Christmas, it is of no coincidence that the performance is being shown in the popular shopping district.

Peter Sng, chief coordinator of Celebrate Christmas in Singapore, said: "As in every modernising society, along the way it loses some of its impact, the real meaning, that's why it's essential for us – the Christian community – to bring back the essence of Christmas."

This is the fourth year Celebrate Christmas in Singapore has organised such an event and work on the production started a year ago.

Forty-two churches, as well as overseas performers from Brazil, Kenya and Hawaii, are involved in the production.

The shows will run every night at 7pm till 24 December. On Christmas Day, part of Orchard Road will be closed off so that a stage can be built for a locally written production called the 'Lights of December'.


- CNA/so