by: Cristina Mejos

Christmas is undeniably the most awaited and exuberant season of the year. Everyone anticipates the start of the “ber” months to mark it as the official start of the season’s countdown- at least for the Filipinos no matter where they are around the world. Though the Christmas rush is quite overwhelming at times, it has been notable that people would buy gifts here and there and are also hopeful to receive something from someone at some point.

However, as Christians we all know that Christmas is not about giving and receiving presents. It is rather about the commemoration of our Lord and Savior’s birth and what better way to celebrate it than giving him our lives as our presents. Evangel Family Church-Cagayan de Oro City did just that by giving their talents during its Family Night on December 17, 2017. Members of EFC-CDO has been awaiting this annual celebration to showcase their God given talents through dances, songs and presentations.

The Xavier Heights cell group presented a message that once you receive Jesus in your heart as Lord and Savior, you will be more than glad to share His love and goodness to others. It was followed by the Nazareth cell group who portrayed the message about Jesus being the best gift God has given to mankind. The Macasandig Cell group directed their message to Jesus being our only answer, that without Him, we will be hopeless, broken and unsaved. A short musical about the nativity, focusing on Jesus as the promised Messiah was beautifully portrayed by the Children’s Church as well. And lastly, the HOF invigorated the crowd by their lively dance moves. The presentations were full of surprises, joy and fun. Everyone enjoyed the presentations as evidenced by their laughter and smiles the entire time.

One of the highlights of the program was the message given by Pastor Andrew Kwong, Senior Pastor of EFC-CDO. He pointed out that Christmas is filled with God’s promise. He added a verse in the bible that says, “And this is the promise that He made to us—eternal life (1 John 2:25) and this life is in His son (1 John 5:11). He further stressed that Jesus is God’s most extravagant gift to mankind and that He is the gift that keeps on giving.

The night ended with a delectable meal and a wonderful fellowship where everyone wished each other a Merry Christmas. Though there was no exchanging of gifts that night, everyone was reassured that they have already received the best gift that they could ever have, Jesus Christ.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”-Isaiah 9:6-7