An Opportunity to Give at Heidelberg Light the World Festival

Since a new star first appeared above Bethlehem, Christmas has been a season of light, reminding us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. For members and friends of the Heidelberg Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the season began with a “Light the World” Festival of music and service on 2 December 2018.

Participants were welcomed by a large group of missionaries singing Christmas carols as they entered the foyer. A program of uplifting music about Christ was performed in the chapel by small groups as well as a stake choir.

Afterwards, guests were greeted with a large mural of old town Jerusalem in the recreational hall as they travelled back in time to experience the tastes, sights and people of a market place at the time of Jesus.

Those attending this event were reminded of why we celebrate this time of year while viewing 100 nativities that were on display in one of the exhibits that evening.

Opportunities to serve and give were provided by community working stations as well. Over 70 teen and child toiletry bags and 12 nappy bags were assembled. Canned food items to feed the homeless were brought and 25 toy-filled shoe boxes were given for children in Papua New Guinea.

Gently used goods and clothing were donated and inspirational cards made to uplift those in need.  Big Group Hug and Cantoa Community Inc. were some of the charities who benefited from the donations and service given. Even a service scavenger hunt was part of the night’s Light the World Festival activities.

Darice Dudfield, festival chair, was pleased with the turnout. She expressed how she saw old and young alike embrace the concept of giving throughout the evening, especially many of the young children.

“We were all able to feel something special,” she reflected. “This experience gave people an opportunity to give and to shine in ways that normally may not come their way. They were able to be true disciples of Christ.”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Apostle, recently counselled, “I invite each of us to choose to do something that expresses, in an outward way, our inward feelings about our Saviour, Jesus Christ, as the gift we give Him this year.”

We can all make the world a brighter place to live by following the example of our Saviour and give as He gave.