Christmas is a time of joy, hope, and faith. It is a time when communities come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and spread love and kindness. In Lebanon, a small country nestled in the heart of the Middle East, this Christmas season has been marked by a remarkable event – a continuous Christmas hymn recital lasting 170 hours. This event, held at the Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian, is not only a celebration of the holiday but also a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Lebanese people.
The idea for the recital was born three years ago, as a divine inspiration. It was the brainchild of Sandra Akiki, a teacher of theater and music at the Sacred Hearts School. The aim was not just to break a world record but also to spread a message of peace, hope, and unity in a country that has faced its fair share of challenges. With the support of the Maronite patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Béchara Boutros Raï, and the dioceses, the event was set in motion.
The rules set by Guinness World Records were strict – at least 12 people had to be present in the hall at all times, and each hymn had to last for a minimum of two minutes with a maximum interval of 20 seconds between them. But these challenges were nothing compared to the determination and dedication of the organizers and participants.
The recital began on December 17th at 12:00 pm and has been going on for seven consecutive days. The participants, including students from the school, have been singing Christmas hymns non-stop, day and night. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of angelic voices, carrying prayers and hopes for the nation. The recital has become a symbol of the Lebanese culture and its love for art and music.
The message of the recital goes beyond breaking a world record. It is a message of faith, culture, and unity. As Pope Leo XIV once said, Lebanon is not just a country of divisions, but also a country of joy. This event is a testament to that statement. Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the Lebanese people, they continue to spread joy and celebrate their culture and traditions.
The recital also echoes the words of St. Augustine, who said, “He who sings prays twice.” Through their continuous singing, the participants are not only celebrating the birth of Jesus but also sending out prayers for peace and unity in their country. It is a powerful reminder that music has the ability to unite people and bring them closer to God.
The support and involvement of the dioceses and the Church have been crucial in making this event a success. They have provided pastoral support and helped organize attendance schedules to ensure that the hall is never empty. This event has also brought together people from different backgrounds and faiths, highlighting the spirit of coexistence in Lebanon.
The recital has captured the attention of the world, with people from all over tuning in to watch and support this historic event. It is a proud moment for Lebanon, as it aspires to inscribe its name in the Guinness World Records. But more importantly, it is a moment of joy and hope for the Lebanese people, who refuse to let their dreams fade despite the challenges they face.
As the recital comes to an end, the message it leaves behind is one of resilience, faith, and unity. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, the Lebanese people will always come together to spread love and celebrate the spirit of Christmas. This recital at the Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian will go down in history as a symbol of the Lebanese people’s unwavering spirit and their determination to overcome any obstacle with faith and hope.
