Christmas comes once a year—doesn’t it?
Not at The Salvation Army Johnsonville (SAJ)! On Saturday, 14 June, SAJ held its annual mid-winter family Christmas event. First launched in 2019, the event has grown increasingly popular, with over 100 people attending this year.
Playgroup Coordinator Cara Reddish explains, ‘People are busy in December, so celebrating in the middle of the year when we’re all less stressed is great. Kids watch a lot of Northern Hemisphere TV, so celebrating in winter gives that ‘magical’ feel. It’s a great opportunity to share the Good News, as people are happy to hear the Christmas story, and it provides a steppingstone for families to feel comfortable in our church building.’
A couple of highlights this year were the number of volunteers who came together to make the event happen, and the increase in families who invited their friends along.
Corps officer, Major Mat Badger, says he continues to be thrilled by the enthusiasm of volunteers who pull together for special occasions like this.
‘We had a great volunteer team who went above and beyond to help accommodate the larger than usual numbers this year. Celebrating Christmas at this time of year gives people a bit of a lift in the middle of winter, and we can focus on the message of Christmas without the distractions that, sadly, commercialism and financial pressure often bring for families.’
Cara is celebrating the six playgroup families who attended for the first time, and the new connections made.
‘I was praying that our families would be looked after. One of our Kids Church children spontaneously adopted a playgroup toddler, leading her to the nativity and Christmas tree decorating. Her family then sat with the playgroup family and enjoyed each other’s company. Another SAJ person turned out to be the perfect chatty and friendly companion for a family I thought might be nervous and shy, but they were comfortable together.’
Cara describes a special God-moment which took place as the children sang Away in a Manger.
‘With the candles, the manger scene, and children in costumes sitting around baby Jesus, one of our Kids Church children, Hannah, led with a little solo which was beautiful. That moment had “all the feels”.’
