Youth Caroling
(21st & 22nd Dec 2019)
After a month worth of practicing and straining our throats to hit the right pitch, our youths were ready to head out for some Christmas caroling. Led by a Sunday school teacher, we ventured into old folks’ homes and care groups around Penang, singing and proclaiming the gospel through carols. This is a short sharing of our adventure of fellowship, songs, food and faith.
Dressed in plain white tops and for the boys and red tops for the girls, we gathered in church at 5 pm for some final preparations and last practice before heading out for caroling. Stapling caroling books and setting up the (fake) candles could be a boring start for a caroling night, but not when you have your friends to laugh and chat around. After quickly rehearsing some rather difficult-to-sing carols, we were off.
A big yellow bus took us to our first venue where we will be caroling, Keepers Nursing Home. Upon arrival we were greeted with warm smiles, excited little kids, and some surprised but delighted by the elderly. The keyboard was set, we introduced ourselves and we sang. Seeing the elderly and the kids there beam as they listened to the carols, reminded me of the joy of Christmas, of its reason; that is the birth of a Savior. We also went to Turf View Nursing home on the 2nd day of caroling where we sang a Christmas song in Chinese as well.
A few songs later, one of our carolers shared what Christmas means to her followed by some scripture reading and a short sermon by our church pastor. A short prayer was led by pastor before singing two more carols, ending with “We wish you a merry Christmas” as we moved into the audience and wished them individually. Finally, we said our goodbyes and last wishes before boarding the bus to our next stop, but not before grabbing some finger food of course.
We continued our caroling adventure and our next stop is a care group in a lovely home of a church member. After going through the same procedure of greetings, singing and sharing, it was time for dinner! There, we enjoyed a variety of delectable foods; Tom-yam noodles, meatballs, sandwiches and other treats. We were filled and ready to move to our next place after wishing them Merry Christmas once more. On the 2nd day however, we had to quickly grab a box of pizza and a heavy bag of canned drinks for dinner in the bus due to time constrains. Nevertheless, it was delicious.
The caroling for the day ended under the Christmas night sky in the garden of our church keeper’s house, munching on chocolate bars and drinking sweet grape juice as we reflected on the caroling adventure, visiting the nursing home and some care groups as we not only bring the gospel through carols , but learn more about God as well.
Here are some pictures from our adventure.
Day 1 Preparations 
Carolers in church combined CGs 
Carolers at a CG gathering
Sharing from Carolers
“What means Christmas to you?”
“What comes into our minds the first thing we hear the word Christmas? Well, for kids, most likely it will be receiving and unwrapping presents, hanging ornaments a Christmas tree or wolf down on candy cane and chocolate or even Santa. For grown-ups, it may be simple gatherings of friends and families and a little break from work. It seems that as we mature our way of celebrating Christmas changes. It was the same for me; from young I kept the tradition of setting up a Christmas tree, placing presents underneath it and opening them on Christmas, but as my life progressed, as more work and responsibilities come in, I started giving up on the tradition.
It may seem sad , but as I mature, I start to realize what Christmas truly means. The trees and the presents; they were a significant part of Christmas, yes, but what’s more significant is the planet-shaking, world-changing event that happened on this very day. The birth of a Savior. Today is that day, when Jesus Christ was born, the one who was sent by God whom the virgin Mary gave birth to, the baby who slept soundly in the manger and the three wise men brought gifts too. The angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of of a savior. The savior, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for our sins, for everyone’s sin. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) .
Looking at it now, God indeed gave us a present, that is His Son, a savior. We don’t deserve to be saved for everyone is sinful, yet God who is ever so loving in mercy and grace sent his son to die for our sins so that we can be united with Him in eternal life. For it is by grace you have been saved. And its not by our own doing, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ died for everyone regardless of their past sins, race and upbringing and he welcomes everyone to believe in him. Have you believe in him on this Christmas day?”
-Jared
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“Christmas is not about the Christmas tree, ornaments, decorating it or presents. Most people think it’s all about enjoy partying the whole night long ushering in Christmas day. Some think it’s all about presents or getting what they want, just like I once thought so too. Some people think Santa Claus, his elves, reindeer and the North Pole are the essence of Christmas.
When i was much smaller I believed in Santa sending presents to me and would always look forward to putting up the Christmas tree and decorating them beautifully. And my mum and dad used to remind me that Santa does not exist and would tell me what Christmas is all about and who is the birthday boy. At one point of time, my parents decided to test me. They placed a present right at the door step. When I saw it, my eyes just glowed and i was filled with JOY. The first thing came to my mind was SANTA. But after much thoughts, I knew could not be SANTA because I remembered my parents telling Santa does not exist. And my parents reminded me again Christmas is about Jesus the birthday boy.
Eventually as I grew from year to year, I started to understand what my mum and dad tells me. Actually, Christmas is all about Jesus Christ who was born on that day. He is the one and only precious son of God who came down to save us from our sins and Christmas is not all about the joy of receiving presents but rather the joy of Jesus loving me so much. It truly touches my heart and now every Christmas just reminds me for what Jesus has done for me.
He was born in a humble manger surrounded by farm animals. So God sent his Son to be among the humble people, share their lives, and lead them back to God. And today I truly understand Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in my heart. Jesus loves us all so much. Blessed Christmas to everyone.”
-Christabel
(Stay tuned for more pictures and sharing by carolers)
Joshua House 