What would December in Jamaica be without Christmas breeze?

Nothing apparently, for despite its chill and constant howling at the annual Jamaica Defence Force Carol service at Up Park Camp last Tuesday, the Christmas breeze couldn’t ‘cold up’ the festivities.

From the moment you entered the secured gates to ‘Camp’, the air seemed to drop a few degrees. But that did not deter the hundreds of civillians who braved the elements and enjoyed the offerings at the annual feast of holiday music on the hockey field of the very much in the news historic base of the local military.

The JDF Carol Serive has become a virtual institution on the holiday entertainment calendar, drawing parallels with Christmas tree lightings and Grand Market.

Being a Carol Service, music of the season takes the focal point and with the combined forces of the Jamaica Regiment and Jamaica Military bands on the stand, the congregation was treated to a feast of holiday tunes. Adding to the lustre of the music being played were the voices of the JDF Combined Choir and the guest choir, the Jamaica Youth Chorale.

The Youth Chorale’s selection — a medley including Angels Ringing Dem Bells and Go Tell It on the Mountain, certainly warmed the heart and served to ward of the element which seemingly conspired against those who came out to witness the splendour.

The chill persisted, but was kept at bay, by the Carols, sung with vigour by the congregation. Let Me tell you about the Story, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, all rang out across the military base, which was tastefully decorated with hundreds of lights giving the impression that you were seated beneath a starry sky or under the high dome of a cathedral.

The chilly winds definitely had no chance when the order of service called for the singing of All For Jesus — made popular by singer Ernie Smith. With its lively Reggae beat, this Carol had the congregation swaying to the beat and beating the persistent tempest at the same time.

The musical highlight continued with a holiday medley by the massed band which was guided during the evening under the batons of director of music Major Roy Wade and bandmaster Warrant Officer AS Hird. The band’s selection comprised It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, O Come All ye Faithful, Silent Night and What Child Is This. The full-bodied sound of the mass band with its impressive wind section was pleasing to the ears.

However the musical show stopper was yet to come. The perennial Christmas favourite, O Holy Night was splendidly delivered by the Youth Chorale.

This year the JDF Carol Service was held under the theme Reflection for Renewal, and in reflecting on this year’s staging, one hopes that there will be renewed efforts to maintain this Jamaican holiday tradition.