Over the past few weeks, Christmas celebrations were held at the Lumina community centers. Three Christmas celebrations were organized: one for the children and teens at Lumina Colorom and one for the children at Lumina Nord. The children had invited their parents. There was music, a play, delicious food, and, of course, a nice gift. It was a big celebration.
As the year comes to a close, we look back on an exciting year.
In early 2024, the first community center opened in Colorom, and the children were immediately enthusiastic about it. For the teenagers, it took a little longer to get there, but even there we see a dedicated group of young people who come every week. In November, we opened the second community center in the Nord neighborhood, and we’re pleasantly surprised by how many children have already found their way to Lumina. We were able to end the year on a high note with three wonderful Christmas celebrations.
On Wednesday, we celebrated Christmas at Lumina Colorom. Together with more than 50 enthusiastic children and several involved parents, it was a fun gathering. The children sang beautifully, performed a play, we enjoyed delicious hamburgers, and wrapped up the evening with lovely gifts for the children.
The gifts are a local initiative, organized by a acquaintance. Adults could sign up to buy a gift for a “Lumina child.” Each package included, among other things, a new set of clothes and a pair of shoes. There was a carefully curated package for every child, which was so wonderful. The children’s sparkling eyes made the whole experience complete.
On Thursday, the Christmas celebration took place at Lumina Colorom. Since we’ve only been open here for a few weeks and not all the children have settled into a routine yet, this celebration was organized in a simpler and more accessible way. Tania had prepared a Christmas craft activity, and we watched a short Christmas video. Here, too, we enjoyed a delicious “
” burger together with the parents, and of course, we wrapped things up with presents.
On Friday evening, the youth group held its Christmas celebration. What a wonderful evening! Two guitarists provided the music, there was beautiful singing, and the food was delicious. A Christmas gift was purchased for each young person, consisting of a practical booklet about all kinds of life questions based on the Christian faith and a bracelet with an encouraging message.
It’s heartwarming to look back on these wonderful days. So many children, teenagers, and—thankfully—engaged parents came together. They all had the opportunity to hear about the birth of Jesus and its significance. We are grateful for the work done in the community centers over the past year and look forward to what lies ahead in 2025.
