CHRISTMAS lights weren’t the only thing brightening up Emancipation Park in St Andrew on Wednesday. Gospel singer Jermaine Edwards had every attendee on their feet when he touched the stage at Scotiabank’s ‘Christmas in the Park’ concert.

“It was a great feeling performing and sharing the love that the season brings. It was a great feeling knowing that people were singing the songs. It was an overwhelming joy and it encourages me to continue doing what I’m doing,” he told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash.

He rendered favourites like Make a Way, Hallelujah, Beautiful Day as well as a cover of Joy to the World.

The concert also featured the Charlemont High School band from St Catherine, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in St Andrew, Half-Way-Tree Primary (St Andrew), Vaz Prep School (St Andrew), and young soloist Maylin Dillon.

According to Edwards, Christmas signifies the importance of spreading cheer to one another.

“Christmas, though I know that this season is not the birth of Jesus, it’s a time for sharing the love of God with family friends. It’s symbolic of the coming of Christ into the world,” he said.

The singer further urged supporters to be cognisant of their spending habits during the season of excitement.

“Prepare for 2023. Don’t just spend, spend, spend. Remember that January is coming and that’s usually a null month. Focus on your needs,” he said.

Edwards, a former student of Jonathan Grant and later St Catherine high schools in St Catherine, is also known for songs including Peace In My Soul, Don’t Count Me Out, I Will Follow, and My Champion.