“Joy to the World” Concert kickstarts Christmas Season in Carmona

The San Gabriel Philippines Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints showcased their love for the Savior through the “Joy to the World” concert held last 14 October 2023 at the City Plaza in Carmona, Cavite.

The guest of honor at this event was Carmona Cavite's mayor, Dra. Dahlia A. Loyola. She praised the Church for its humanitarian efforts in their area. In her message before the concert, she said: “Your Church is very close to our hearts here in Carmona because you have provided our disabled citizens with customized wheelchairs.”

“Disabled kids here used to make do with oversized wheelchairs, but thanks to your Church, they measured and donated these wheelchairs to them...You are sent to us... God is the reason we are all here, to keep our faith alive,” Mayor Loyola added.

President R. Lind Stapley, Cavite Mission President, also graced the event and spoke about true joy. He remarked, "I love Christmas because it reminds me of things that bring us joy, like having fun. Joy is what we do with our family and friends.”

“The word Joy starts with the letter 'J,' and there's a special person whose name also starts with that letter. His name is Jesus Christ. There is no joy without Him. We invite you to become more like Him by learning about His birth, life, death, and resurrection. He lives. He loves all of us and wants us to experience true joy through Him," President Stapley emphasized.

The San Gabriel Stake Communications Council, led by its Assistant Director Zaldy Fresnoza, briefly explained the importance of the event, why Filipinos celebrate Christmas beginning in September, and who the missionaries were. They also requested that the audience invite the missionaries to their homes so they could share the gospel of Jesus Christ with Carmona families.

Each ward (congregation) then gave their presentation, which included song and dance, solos, duets, music and the spoken word, children and youth choir, poetry reading, and a musical drama by the missionaries. A special presentation was also given by the Carmona Singing Ambassadors, a group that includes both members and non-members from Carmona, Cavite.

Exhibits shedding light on the Seminary and Institute and the Family History programs were also set up at the plaza. Carmona's non-member citizens were allowed to learn and ask questions about these Church initiatives.

In his closing remarks, Stake President Keith Cruz challenged the attendees to become good citizens wherever they live and find true joy this Christmas by serving others. He said: “Let us find opportunities to help our family, friends, and neighbors. As we do so, we will feel the love, peace, joy, and true meaning this Christmas.”