The Lords Flock (TLF) Catholic Charismatic Community, celebrated its 38th Christmas Rally last December 3, 2023 (Sunday) at the Heritage Center with the theme “Christmas Story, the Musical.” It was a joyful hybrid celebration attended also by The TLF members from various parts of the world through zoom. This year’s unique presentation was a musical; the lead roles were performed by the Psalm Ministry, Koros School of Dance and other TLF members who played specific acting roles. The story of the birth of Jesus Christ was re-enacted in a spectacular presentation, reminding everyone that with His birth, He came to save mankind.
Eucharistic Mass
The first part of the program was a Eucharistic Mass, officiated by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco (Diocese of Cubao). He blessed the lighting of the Advent candle together with the Almendrala family. In his Homily, he reminded everyone that starting the program with a mass is important to thank God for all His blessings. He elaborated that the liturgical year starts with Advent. In preparation, everyone must remember “K.A.P.E.” – Kausapin ang Panginoon Everyday!”
Sis. Techie Rodriguez (Elder-Founder of TLF) greeted everyone present at the Heritage and called out as well to the Global Chapter members who were on zoom.
The Christmas Rally Intro
The emcees Carlo Marudo and Bea Baclig enthusiastically welcomed the audience in the jam-packed Heritage Sanctuary. Simultaneously on zoom, Krishy Ong and Jimmy Esplanada hosted the International Chapters who tuned in. Tatay Bobby Rodriguez, came up and encouraged everybody to enjoy the program “tayo ay magdiwang, magbigay puri sa awit, sayaw, laro, dahil ang Diyos ay natutuwa sa ating pagbibigay ng ating buhay sa kanya).” 
Subsequently, the “Parade of the Banners” presented a feast for the eyes. Each Ministry and all the Chapters creatively depicted Jesus Christ and scenes of the Nativity. Next, greetings from all over the world was showed through a lively video presentation of the Chapter members singing and dancing to the delightful tune of “Family forever, isang puso, isang tinig, pinag-isa tayo ng Diyos.”
Thereafter, the energetic Tina Morados (TLF Admin) and Satur Toyogon (Camarin Chapter) introduced the “Tunog Tao” contest. The contest was unique since the participants had to use their body parts only to create music in lieu of instruments.
Christmas Story, The Musical
The story of the birth of Jesus Christ was presented as a Musical. Grandma (Chie Agas) and her granddaughter (Teresa Almendrala) were talking why the latter did not want to go to mass. She then read a book on the birth of Jesus and annotates the story, which was interspersed with songs by the actors and supporting chorales. Musical trainers Dan Dantes and Salve Labrador led the Grand Chorale, the SEND Choir, Singles Choir and Small World Choirs. The angels were portrayed by lead singers Francine Jhoy Encinares of Pael Chapter and Geoffrey Villaos of Karvill Youth Chapter.
The heartwarming story followed Mary (Daphne Tapia) and Joseph (Emman Almendrala) as they travelled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born, and the visit of the Three Kings (Jon Angeles, Ezequiel Almodiel, Ronald Tapia). The second act showed Jesus as a young boy (Seth Marudo) teaching in the temple while Joseph (Ryan Regala) and Mary (Marie Regala) frantically searched for Him.
The plot had a comical twist in the end. Fast forward 2023 years later, the 3 Kings had become elderly. The comedy was superbly played by Co-Founder Froilan Hong, Execom members, Dinky Florentino and Abet Johnson. The other Execom leaders danced as angels.
In the Finale, after the cast took their curtain call, Sis. Techie who conceptualized the Musical, thanked everyone for a superb presentation; she marveled at the talent of all the performers and called-in as well the people behind the scenes – Production, Comms, Technical, to take a final bow. Lastly, she thanked the audience for their attendance in this 38th Christmas Rally and wished one and all a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Prizes and Raffle
No program ends without prizes and a raffle! The winners were announced for the contests:
- Banner making contest: 1st Prize to CANA (Married Group); 2nd Prize to NET (Singles), 3rd Prize to Harvest 1,2,3.
- Tunog Tao: 1st Prize to CANA (Married Group); 2nd Prize to NET (Singles); 3rd Prize to Tulay Ng Kabataan (TNK). Consolation Prizes: Bamban and Bagong Silang Chapters
- Biggest Delegation: TLF East Chapter.
Indeed, everyone left the Heritage with joy in their hearts, having watched a beautifully presented Christmas Story – the birth of Jesus Christ is all about simplicity, love and giving.
To God be all the Glory!
Written By: Sis Thess P. Sarmiento (Scribes Ministry)
