THE NEW LIGHT IN AACHEN
The early morning sun had barely risen over the quiet streets of Aachen when members of the Celestial Church of Christ – God Is My Light Parish began arriving one by one. Though it was Germany in the autumn season, with crisp air and gentle winds, the church compound felt unusually warm—alive with murmured prayers, soft laughter, and the fragrance of incense drifting from inside the sanctuary.
Today was special.
Today, a new child would be named.
Inside the church, the white-robed choir was already rehearsing softly, their voices blending like gentle waves. The altar glowed in golden light, candles arranged neatly beside the blue and white emblems of the Celestial Church. Elder Sister Dorcas was carefully laying out the sanctified water, honey, salt, and coconut water—symbols of purity, sweetness, preservation, and peace.
By 10 a.m., the parish was full. The family of the newborn—Brother Samuel and Sister Tinuola—entered with their tiny baby wrapped in a white shawl embroidered with little silver stars. They walked slowly and reverently, accompanied by relatives who had travelled from other parts of Germany to witness this sacred moment.
When the Angelus bell sounded, Shepherd Adebayo emerged from the vestry, his robe moving gently as he walked toward the altar. The congregation stood in unison, singing:
“Father, we thank Thee,
For bringing us together…”
It was a song everyone knew, sung with sincerity and joy.
The ceremony began with prayer. The Shepherd lifted the baby carefully, raising the child slightly toward the heavens.
“Lord, this child has come into Your world.
We present this little one before You today.
Let Your light guide this destiny.”
The silence that followed felt holy—deep, pure, and peaceful.
Then came the symbolic rites.
A drop of honey touched the baby’s lips.
“Sweetness shall never depart from your life.”
Then salt.
“You shall bring value wherever you go.”
Then water.
“Your path shall be clear.”
And finally, olive oil.
“You are covered with divine protection.”
The church rejoiced. Drums and tambourines followed, and the choir raised a soft but joyful praise hymn.
Now came the moment everyone awaited.
Brother Samuel and Sister Tinuola stepped forward, hearts full. The Shepherd turned to them with a warm smile.
“What shall this child be called?”
The parents exchanged a glance, full of love and certainty.
“Olúwatomisin – The Lord has done this for me.”
A ripple of joy spread through the congregation. The Shepherd placed his hand on the baby’s head.
“From this day, you shall be known as Olúwatomisin Samuel.
You will grow in wisdom.
You will be a light to nations.
Your steps shall be ordered by God.”
The choir erupted:
“Glory be to God in the highest—Amen!”
After the naming, the celebration continued in true Celestial fashion: dancing, clapping, and heartfelt thanksgiving. The parish hall smelled of jollof rice, puff-puff, and warm German pastries brought by local members. Cultures blended beautifully—Nigerian tradition and German hospitality, united under the blue-and-white banner of the church.
As the family posed for photos, little baby Olúwatomisin slept peacefully, blissfully unaware of the joy he had brought to so many hearts.
Shepherd Adebayo looked at the child one more time and whispered:
“May you shine as a light in this world.
For truly, in this parish—
God is our Light.”
And so the naming ceremony ended, leaving behind memories, blessings, and the promise of a new life wrapped in love and divine grace.