PETALING JAYA: It will be Christmas with a difference for many Christians in Malaysia this year as churches take their celebrations online to adapt to conditions brought about by Covid-19.
The online activities will range from the streaming of services to the provision of music playlists.
While houses of worship are allowed to resume services, this is subject to limits on the number of people allowed. Because of this, many churches have opted to continue with the online streaming of services.
In Kuala Lumpur, where Catholic churches have suspended all public masses and in-person activities, an online penitential service will be streamed on YouTube this evening.
According to a notice on the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese website, masses on Christmas eve and Christmas day will be streamed in English, Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil.
SIBKL church has also said it will have an online service on Christmas day.
“Host a Watch Party in your homes, prepare some good food and celebrate this joyous occasion with your family and friends,” it says on its website.
“This gets even better. We’ve specially put together a party box for you. There will be balloons and party props to spice up your photos, stickers, posters, and much more to make your celebration at home a memorable one.”
Another church, Full Gospel Assembly, has a music playlist on its app.
It is also encouraging its members to spread the festive joy through a pay-it-forward initiative.
“Head over to your favourite fast-food establishment, get to the counter or drive-through lane, and bless someone by offering to pay for the meal of the person behind you,” it says on its Facebook page.
“Let’s always be on the look-out for opportunities to bless others to spread the Christmas joy.”
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