By INA SocCom
Don Bosco Tigaraksa, Indonesia, 17 December 2024 -- In the spirit of Christmas joy, the SDB Novitiate Community in Tigaraksa held an Anticipatory Christmas Celebration with the Youth Faith Formation Group (Bina Iman Remaja). This meaningful celebration took place before the children left for their Christmas and New Year holidays. The event was carried out in a lively, orderly, and joyful manner, involving teenagers, parents, and Salesian brothers and sisters.
The activity began with a Christmas prayer service that directed the children’s hearts to reflect on this year’s Christmas theme, “Let Us Go to Bethlehem.” This theme invited everyone present to focus on the Saviour of the World, the King of kings, who chose to be born in a simple place, a humble manger. This message taught everyone about the values of humility, simplicity, and solidarity with those who are poor and marginalized. In the context of today’s global situation, marked by social inequality, conflict, and economic challenges, this theme is highly relevant. The children were encouraged not only to enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas but also to deeply understand its meaning, inspiring them to bring love and compassion into their daily lives.
Following the prayer service, the event continued with a Christmas Bazaar, one of the most exciting parts for the children. In this bazaar, they could redeem coupons collected through various activities in the Youth Faith Formation program throughout the year, such as answering quizzes based on catechesis materials, completing weekly tasks, and actively participating in oratories and group dynamics. Additionally, during the bazaar, there were fun games that provided opportunities for the children to earn more coupons, further boosting their enthusiasm and joy.
The excitement peaked when each Youth Faith Formation group presented their best performances. The dances, dramas, and songs they performed not only showcased their creativity but also conveyed profound Christmas messages of love, hope, and peace. These performances also served as moments of togetherness, strengthening the bonds among the children and the entire community.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of Christmas gifts prepared by the community. These gifts symbolized love and care, reminding the children that Christmas is about giving and sharing, just as God gave His Son to the world. The activity concluded with a communal prayer, where all participants offered the day’s joy to God.
The presence and full support of the parents were also significant. They not only brought their children to participate in the event but also stayed to accompany them until the program ended. Their presence reflected a spirit of togetherness and support for activities aimed at nurturing the children’s faith and character.
The theme “Let Us Go to Bethlehem” stood as the main message of this event, reminding us all that Christ, the Savior of the World, humbly chose to be born in simplicity to show His great love for humanity. In today’s global context, this message calls us to live more simply, humbly, and with solidarity, especially toward those in need.
Overall, this Anticipatory Christmas Celebration was not just a moment of joy and festivity but also an opportunity for the children to learn deeply about the true meaning of Christmas. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported this event, especially the Salesian brothers and sisters, parents, and the community who have shown their care and love for the children of the Youth Faith Formation Group. May the spirit of Christmas bring peace, love, and hope to us all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!