Christmas Eve is a special time for every Christian. In the distant land of Israel 2,012 years ago, illuminated by the star of Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ was born. Despite the fact that this event occurred in the distant past, even non-believers still feel the special atmosphere of anticipation of a miracle. But believers celebrate this miracle, and proclaim it in Christmas carols.

 

Salvation Church, as always, did not stay on the sidelines and took the opportunity to bear witness to the city Poltava of the birth of the Savior of the world. It was for this purpose that after the Sunday service everyone who wanted to sing for Poltava gathered in the Christian center. We don't have an exact count of the carolers, but it was enough to split into 5 groups of 10-15 people each. Every group got a "caroler's kit": New Testaments, calendars with Bible verses for 2013, as well as invitations to the Christmas service at the church.

Three of the five groups of carolers visited the residents of Levada (the neighborhood of our church). One of those groups had an accordion with them, which lent a special national flavor. Another group went to the Almaznii neighborhood (the largest residential area of ​​the city). The fifth group, led by Andrei Khudyakov, went to the village of Zavorskla (where a few days later we planned a Christmas evangelism event, for which the carolers handed out invitations).

Overall, things played out according to the usual scenario. Residents of most of the apartments did not show any interest. But some opened their doors and listened with delight, not primitive pagan songs, but contemporary Ukrainian carols of the birth of Jesus Christ. The residents rewarded the singers in various ways: some offered alcohol (which we categorically refuse to take), some treated us to dumplings. But, as usual, most of the recognition of each group consisted of sweets and money.

It is worth noting that, for us as a church, material compensation will never be the main purpose of such an event. We are ready to tell people about Jesus without any compensation or benefits. Jesus came to this world to give and to serve others, and He calls for us to do this, too.

The leader of one of the groups of carolers, Anatoly Marfin, said such church projects are not only useful for non-Christians, but also for the carolers. He says that while sharing the gospel, Christians receive the inspiration of the Lord, the strength for further service, understanding of their purpose, and the importance of their role in the world. We don't see any not to continue this blessed tradition in 2013. Join us!

Tanya Varyanitsa