Christmas Hallelujah has begun

A personal narrative written by:

Zerayn D.

A significant milestone was marked in Cambodia’s history last October 6th. The Praise Community Church and its learning center were ceremoniously reopened to the public. A diverse crowd of locals and visitors attended the event. They were eager to see the potential God has brought for the community.

It was truly heartwarming to see the support the village had shown towards the rebuilding of this compound. But how have things fared for the church and its learning center in the time since then? Have they continued to thrive and make a positive impact on the people around them?

Early Christmas celebration

The reopening of the Praise Community Church and learning center marked only the beginning. It was just the start of the compound’s renewed impact on the community.
A little over a month later, volunteers held an early Christmas celebration that drew a large crowd. Most of the attendees were excited children. The church became a cheerful wonderland. It was adorned with festive decorations. Lively music filled every corner with a sense of joy and warmth. The sense of camaraderie was palpable. Families brought home-cooked dishes to share. One particular catfish, the size of a small calf, stole the show.

Changing Views about Christmas Overtime

About eight years ago in Cambodia, Christmas was once a holiday met with skepticism. It faced dismissal as a Western tradition that didn’t align with the local culture. In recent years, this sentiment has started to change. Younger generations have embraced the festive spirit of the season. It’s remarkable to witness how globalization has brought about such a shift in perspective. The passage of time can also alter our understanding of tradition. It’s like Ecclesiastes chapter 3 is happening now. God’s wisdom orchestrates the world around us.

Photo by Evangeline and Dianne

The Main Event

The Christmas celebration kicked off with a traditional Cambodian blessing dance. It set the stage for a memorable blend of the familiar and the festive. After the dance, a chorus of local hymns filled the air. Their lyrics deeply resonated with the crowd, and everyone joined in with song.
The excitement of the children was contagious, their joy evident in every smile and twirl as they danced with abandon. The tambourines seemed to join in the fun. Their lively chimes added an extra layer of rhythm to the lively atmosphere.

The guest speaker was a Filipino brother with a deep understanding of Cambodian culture. He delivered a captivating message. His talk resonated with the audience. He switched effortlessly between Khmer, English, and Tagalog. He drew parallels between the values of Christmas and those deeply entrenched in Cambodian traditions.
He highlighted that Christmas and Khmer traditions share a common foundation of generosity. They also root deeply in kindness and compassion despite their cultural differences. His words reminded us powerfully that while customs may vary across the world, the values they represent unite us. They bring us together in a shared understanding. With a somber tone, the guest speaker brought attention to a troubling trend he had observed. These values have a rich history. However, they seem to be fading with the passage of time. He feared this change would lead the younger generation astray.
The message was clear. Without a renewed emphasis on these virtues, people may develop a sense of entitlement. They could believe that they are owed something without giving in return.
To reinforce his point, he turned to the Bible and its teachings. The tradition of giving is emphasized in the Bible, as God gave his son Jesus to save humanity.

What matters

The guest speaker’s message of hope and renewal echoed through the hall. It was a powerful call to action for the congregation. They were encouraged to build upon the foundations of generosity and kindness.
He urged them to create a culture of giving. This would serve as a shining example for the children. It would be a testament to the enduring power of these values. He shared the story of Jesus, who embodied God’s great love. Jesus is the ultimate gift to humanity. Through this story, he challenged them to continue giving selflessly. This giving should happen not just during Christmas, but throughout their lives.

The celebration drew to a close. The air was filled with laughter and the clinking of utensils. The congregation feasted on a delicious fusion of Filipino and Khmer cuisine. The diverse flavors symbolized unity and harmony. This unity was brought by the spirit of God to this special place of worship.
The spirit of giving continued as each person received a heartfelt gift. It was a physical reminder of the values they had come together to celebrate. But this was only the beginning. In the weeks to come, similar celebrations would spread to other villages. Each one was a unique expression of faith and togetherness.

Praise our LORD Jesus, the reason for this season!