The Real Christmas

The Christmas Project. For the past 3 years, we had been organising Christmas events for a group of less privileged children, and our main beneficiary is the group of under-privileged girls from the Ahuva Good Shepherd home.

This year, it will be the fourth time we're doing this. We've met a lot of volunteers these few years, and some of us became close friends. Truth be told, each time we organise a social project, it demanded a great deal of our time and energy. But was spending that kind of effort worth it? Yes. It was worth every ounce of our strength and every minute of our time. In fact, Christmas became much more meaningful and real when we give gifts straight from our heart.

The events were simple yet heartfelt. We raised some funds through private Christmas sales, put together family-bonding games, sponsored delicious Christmas food, delighted the kids with lots of mini prizes and of course, there was the caroling which got everyone singing along.

I'm very glad that it brought some joy and laughter to the disadvantaged girls. After all, for their tender age (at one point the youngest was seven), their world is already harsh enough - we just want to brighten it a little. With whatever we have. Time. Love. And most importantly, Hope - to let them know that there are people who still care about them: Older brothers and sisters whom they have yet to meet, who are willing to spend time with them. Their world, though fallen, is still warm because we have a Heavenly Father who taught us the meaning of love and unconditional forgiveness. In fact, for some of them, our very existence may give them the strength to continue to believe in the goodness of people.

These little angels, in their own small ways, taught us the simplicity of joy. The unblemished bliss of being in the moment. And those innocent laughter. You could never buy anyone these gifts with money.

We came to bless, yet we walked away more blessed ourselves.

So, what is Christmas to you?

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More details about Ahuva Good Shepherd:
Ahuva Good Shepherd is a place of love and solace for children and their families. This is their new home where life is shared and hope is built...
www.marymountctr.org.sg/ahuva.html