Here in Ukraine, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on January 7, according to the Orthodox calendar. Living Word Church always enjoys gathering at this time to remember together the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.
This year, we had a special service at our church office, singing together, listening to special Christmas music, rejoicing in testimonies, praying together, and opening the Word together, pondering on the first coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a small gathering due to limited space in our office and people being sick and out of town, but it was still a very blessed and joyous time together.
Andriy, the sound engineer at church, shared a Christmas song
Krista played Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring on the violin
Bria played an original Christmas song
A time of prayer, thanking God for so many indescribable blessings!
Singing Silent Night by candlelight
Valya, the children’s ministry director, passing out gifts to the kids
Blessing Ministry to Ukraine 
Sounds like a sweet time… reminds me of Mexico where the gift giving is celebrated not on Christmas but two weeks later on Dia de los Reyes (Day of the Kings). Their practice is to let Christmas be about worship and thanks, and the giving of gifts to parallel the giving of gifts to Jesus as an infant, so they celebrate the coming of the kings of the east as the day for presents.
Blessed season to you all and a joyous new year.
john m
By: John Morrison on January 10, 2013
at 11:15 pm
Oh, are we so late in replying. The days have seemed to fly by since 2013 started. The Mexican tradition sounds like a great way to keep the right perspective at Christmas. We pray this year is blessed for the Morrisons! We love you guys!
By: BlessingMinistry on February 28, 2013
at 10:04 pm