Christmas at the Centre

Me on the left, Joyce in the middle, Marissa on the left. We are getting down with the songs.

We give God all the praise and glory for bringing believers together to be able to run a Christmas program open to any child who wanted to attend. This was the first time I had ever seen it happen in Gtown. Individual churches have done special Christmas services but never joined together to allow for the anyone in the community to come. During the planning committee the question arose, "What if mslm children showed up. Should they be invited inside without the permission from their parents?" We all agreed it is always good for the parents to understand exactly what is being taught about so there is no hidden agendas. We had planned to give an accurate account on the birth of Jesus Christ- from what Matthew and Luke have written. There is a basic idea about this story but other things get added and mixed into it all over the world. I remember hearing that there were not necessarily 3 wise men from my college professor Ed Dudek, my freshman year. The Bible says there were three gifts offered to King Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrh, but it never says there was 3 wise men. The Bible never mentions Mary riding a donkey or there being animals in the manger where Jesus was born. So many pictures and nativity scenes show differently but it is so important to know absolute truth. That way truth continues to be passed along. 

This year children are desperately looking for attention, love, activities, a place to belong to because Kenyan schools have been closed since March (except class 4, 8, and 12 grade). There is no provision of virtual schooling to be done for the majority of homes due to most families not owning a computer or laptop. To say that the children who showed up for the Christmas program were thrilled to be there would be putting it mildly. 

Joyce opening up the time in prayer and an explanation of what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. She said it is not about eating chapati and chicken (the special meal often reserved for this particular day). It is not about getting a brand new outfit which is exciting and much needed. But it is about the promised prophecies being fulfilled through the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

Grace teaching the youngest who came. There was many more in attendance than the last event.

T and D teaching the oldest children- the teenagers. Can you spot Righteous?

Charis' class taught by Alice.

Outdoor games. Pin the star above the manger picture.

I forgot the bandanas at home so they improvised with paper and masks to cover the eyes.

I was the art teacher which is one of my favorite things to do- provide a visual to a story through a craft.

This boy enjoyed the glitter a whole lot and emptied out the container on his head.

T was the narrator to the Drama.

Joseph and Mary of course.

The Shepherds or Sheperdesses I should say. 

The wise men.

Giving the gifts to baby Jesus who was my girls doll.

Singing and Dancing.

Everyone getting into it.