DEKAI, Metanoia Editorial Team – The GKI Metanoia Dekai congregation celebrated Christmas solemnly and joyfully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the GKI Metanoia Dekai Church. The celebration began at 4:00 PM WIT and was attended by 677 people, including men, women, and children.

The Christmas service was led by Rev. Alfons A. Reumy, S.Si.Teol, with scripture readings from Luke 2:8-20 and Isaiah 9:5. With the theme “Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem” and the sub-theme “On this Christmas night, let us bring all our struggles to Bethlehem, for there we will find the way out,” the event became a profound moment of reflection for the congregation.

Message from the Word: “Christmas is God’s Greatest Gift”

In his Christmas reflection, Rev. Alfons Reumy emphasized that Christmas is an expression of God’s love, bringing peace through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

“Christianity is an intimate fellowship between God and His people. Despite being seen as unworthy, God continues to care for us. Christmas is a time to express gratitude for God’s boundless love,” said Rev. Alfons.

The main message of the sermon encouraged the congregation to:

  • Be grateful for what God has done.
  • Bring their struggles to Jesus, the Helper and Prince of Peace.
  • Trust in God’s promises that He will protect and provide the best future for His people.

Remarks from the PHMJ Chairperson

In his remarks, Rev. Alfons A. Reumy, S.Si.Teol, as Chairperson of PHMJ, expressed gratitude to all the committees, fellowship groups, and congregation members who supported the Christmas celebration.

“Thank you to the Church Holy Days Committee, parents, youth, Sunday School teachers, and all involved parties, including the Government of Yahukimo Regency, PGGY, FKUB, and security personnel. The atmosphere of peace and togetherness has enabled this Christmas celebration to run smoothly,” he said.

He also appreciated the unity among congregation members from Rayon 1 to Rayon 7, who consistently supported the ministry throughout 2024.

“This year, despite many events, the spirit of unity within the congregation has remained steadfast,” he added.

Christmas Message

In his message, Rev. Alfons reminded the congregation that life is not free from problems, but all struggles should be brought to Jesus.

“Do not bring your problems elsewhere. Bring them to Jesus because He is the Prince of Peace who understands and knows the best path for us,” he advised.

He also urged the congregation to maintain safety, nurture love, and uphold unity as one body in Christ.

Christmas Activities and Doorprizes

During the celebration, the Church Holy Days Committee awarded door prizes to congregation members who met the criteria and answered questions correctly:

  1. The first door prize was given to Alfin, a Sunday School child who wore a complete traditional costume.
  2. The second door prize was awarded to teenagers who correctly answered Christmas-related questions.
  3. The third door prize went to the Ferdi Patiung Family, who attended the celebration as a complete family.

Fellowship Feast

After the service, the committee provided a fellowship feast as a blessing enjoyed together by all congregation members present.

This Christmas celebration was a moment of joy and reflection, strengthening togetherness among the GKI Metanoia Dekai congregation. With the spirit of Christmas, the congregation was encouraged to continue nurturing love, peace, and unity in the coming year.

(Geno_Msn)