The pregnant ladies of the New Life crisis center (some as young as 15, so sad) went out for a special Christmas breakfast with some of us. What a lovely treat for them. They were so happy for this outing. Before the breakfast we had shared the nativity story with them during our weekly devotions and afterwards we returned to the center to present them with their gift parcels. We had such a joyful time watching them take out their dresses and beauty products. They especially liked the devotional books we gave them; something to feed and inspire them. We were thankful to be able to finish off their year on this happy note! (Note: faces blurred to protect privacy)

The children of our Sunday School eagerly sat to view a brief Nativity Story video! The teachers paused and discussed it throughout, making sure that each child understood the wonderful message of the First Christmas, when Jesus came to us in human form. What Good News!      

The families of the Klein Akker informal settlement come from many different backgrounds and cultures. In spite of their dismal circumstances, they make the most of what they have and always greet us with a warm smile. We were so happy to bring them fresh food and bread as well as Christmas presents and bags of yummy treats for the children. Christmas is largely a forgotten event for these children. But not today!  Today Christmas came for everyone!  Just like Jesus did, that very first Christmas.                

​The families of this informal settlement receive food from us whenever possible but we wanted to so something different for Christmas. We prepared ‘toys and sweets’ packets for all the children and teenagers there, along with fruits,  vegetables and bread for each person. As we set up our tables with all the things we brought,  people patiently lined up waiting for their turn. For those of us with children it was especially rewarding to see the joy on the little ones’ faces,  and the humble,  grateful smiles of their parents.  Before we started giving out the food and gifts, we mentioned to everyone there that we brought these things as a present from God to help us celebrate Jesus’ birthday and the whole crowd broke out in spontaneous applause.  It was wonderful!  At the very end of the line they also received a yummy frozen fruit popsicle ; perfect to end the event on this hot and sunny day!

These sweet cerebral palsy patients don’t have much to look forward to for the Christmas season.  They can’t talk,  and don’t respond to much so imagine our surprise when they called out in joy when we arrived with our ‘ Christmas Party’.  The colourful toys were a real hit and the bubbles caused one of little patients to keep calling out ‘yaaaay,yaaaaay ‘ with delight. We were also able to present the staff of the centre with gift bags.  These staff members lay down their lives daily and deserve all the encouragement they can get. It was an afternoon well spent; if Jesus was still physically walking on this earth we’re sure he would have been right there, loving,  laughing and blowing bubbles for these amazing kids.

One thing that keeps us busy at this time of the year is packing Christmas gift parcels. – each one containing both staples like rice, beans, and sugar and extra treats like jelly, braai sauce and cool drinks. Each parcel will go to a family that could use a little extra this season. We are thankful for the lovely green and red bags that were donated to us for this project,  giving the whole a special Christmassy look!

This event for HIV/AIDS patients from the Morningstar clinic (aged 10 months – 13 yrs) was a lot of fun! The children had goodie bags, a present, cool drink, and as many hot dogs as they liked! For these dear ones, every bit of love, attention, and celebration is precious and needed. Who knows how many Christmases they will be able to experience?                                    

All the children from this underprivileged pre-primary centre were so pleased to experience a morning of games, snacks, and gifts! Each child also got a Santa hat to take home, and as a “thank you” for their loving year-long care of the little ones, the staff were each given a gift parcel. Most important of all, the message of Salvation and “why Christmas” was shared, and the children prayed to accept Jesus into their lives! That is the best Christmas gift ever, for us and for them!