In Ukraine every person has his own understanding and interpretation of Christmas. Some get joy out of the meeting with godparents of their children, some learn and sing Christmas carols (which usually do not contain any words about the birth of the Savior) to get money and candy for singing, some think that that day they have to have a certain number of special dishes on the table. Christmas eve is considered to be almost the only time when one can peek into the future, that is why it it popular to forecast the future that day. Unfortunately not many people know about the true meaning of Christmas.

On the 7th of January (this is when we celebrate Christmas day according to the Orthodox tradition) the volunteers and the staff of Izmail Life Care Center got together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The representatives of different Christian confession could share joy and awe. After prayer we listened to the translation of the Christmas sermon of Ray Cortese - a preacher who serves as a pastor in a big Presbyterian (PCA) church in Lecanto, Florida,US. Once more we were grounded that we can not get fullness of Christmas from full tables and full stomachs, frosty and snowy weather, presence of loved people, stability of economy and care of earthly leaders. The fullness of Christmas comes from the grace we got from the fullness of Jesus. (John 1:16)

After we have discussed the sermon, we gave each other gifts, played games with Christmas themes and just had good time of fellowship. This holiday has also become a symbol of the beginning of a new working year for us. We are glad that together we can enjoy celebrations and service to the Glory of God.