Christmas Celebration

     On December 30 our group celebrated Christmas. You may be ask why the 30^th� and not the 25^th as it should be? In Russia the 25^th of December is not a red-letter day. While the whole Christian world celebrate Christmas on this day, here in Russia it is a usual working day. Students had preparation for their control works. They didn�t have time at all for a big celebration. The only opportunity for all of us to celebrate Christmas before the New Year eve was on the 30^th of December.

     At first we want to thank and bless our pastor Alexey Rudenky for putting at our disposal a loudspeaker system, microphones and a video projection system, and also we express our gratitude to a dean of Volgograd State Medical Academy for allowing us to have this Christmas party in the Medical Academy Library Building. We also were honored by the presence of the representatives of scholastic staff, teachers of Russian language��

     About 50 foreign students got a personal invitation to this Christmas Party. The program was prepared in such a way that nobody would be bored. All the members of the team did a very good job creating a festive and cozy atmosphere at the party.

     The peculiarity of this festival was that under the same roof Jesus at His Birthday gathered representatives of many different countries: Russia, India, Malaysia, China, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Egypt. Some of the students were unbelievers, and some even Muslims. But nothing confused them, they also prayed, sang Christmas carols, danced and thanked God for Jesus Christ. It was evident that Christ Himself was present at His Birthday party. He filled our hearts with pure joy. He was in the center and His name was glorified.

     One of the presenters of the party, Irene (a young Muslim lady) led the program with her Christian co-presenter Sanual excellently. At the end she admitted saying: �This is for the first time in my life when I celebrate Christmas. I even couldn�t imagine that it can be so merrily�. Actually Christmas is not only for Christians, but for all people.

     At this party on the intervals between different performances, songs and contests students shared how they celebrate Christmas in their countries. Closer to the end brother Joshua from Malaysia had a concluding word on the meaning of Christmas. Finishing his speech he didn�t miss the opportunity to invite to his home group meeting all who wanted to know more about Jesus.

     One of the most important moments at the festival was the table with refreshments. On the invitation it was written: bring a gift and an empty stomach� Students prepared chicken, rice, potato, different salads,� brought a lot of confectionery and soft drinks. Everything was really tasty.

     The last point of the program was Gifts Exchange. Every student had to bring a small gift to exchange it with somebody. We can say with confidence that the party was held wonderfully well.

     We hope that we will see all those students once more, but now at Christmas celebration in our church on January 7^th, according to the old Russian calendar. We also invite you, dear visitor of our web-site to share our joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

     The solemn service dedicated to Christmas celebration will be held on the 7^th of January 2003, at 10:00.Address of the meeting: prospect Lenina, 53 A
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