Hillview Adventist Church in Morisset (NSW) hosted a joyful Sabbath on July 30 with a special Christmas in July program.
“The popular Christmas in July event in Australia is often associated with food and items that have very little to do with the Christian aspect of Christmas,” said Hillview leader Mary Federow explaining the aim of the program was to bring attendees to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
Organised by Hillview worship leader Sharmila Saggurthi, the program navigated attendees through from the creation story to the climax of the second coming.
The afternoon program featured musical items interspersed with meaningful narrations of Jesus’ birth and life. A live baby added extra interest to the children in costume playing Mary and Joseph, the wise men, shepherds and angel chorus.
“Hillview members and friends really enjoyed hearing the Christ story through music provided by the talents of the Hillview Men’s Choir, a women’s group, mixed singing groups and children, all performing songs that told of the Saviour’s birth and life,” said Ms Fedorow.
Attendees were left on a high note with the performance of “The King is Coming” as the final song, after which church and community members moved to the church hall for soup and buns.
“It was a program that will long be remembered by all present,” said Ms Fedorow.
