Setting the scene: Susannah Sarkunan putting together the nativity scene at the Church of the Assumption in Petaling Jaya. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Christmas celebrations are scaled down this year, focusing on giving back to communities rather than on lavish displays.
At All Saints’ Church in Kuala Lumpur, preparations have centred on performances, with churchgoers rehearsing for the festive season.
“We don’t have a choir and we don’t have a nativity scene like other churches because our focus is more on the word-based aspect, such as prayers, hymns and songs,” said churchgoer and decorator Nicholas Khoong, 38.
“We’re keeping the decorations simple but creative, and everyone has a part to play, from decorating the church to performing the hymns and songs.”
The Tamil Methodist Church has been holding a series of activities since Dec 1, combining spiritual reflection with community engagement.
“We have had many church activities since Dec 1, including choirs and carolling,” said Rev James Ravindran.
“We also put up some lighting and minor decorations around the church to keep things simple while reflecting the joy of Christmas.
“We try to help people during their time of need,” he added.
He said Christmas is also a time to strengthen bonds within and beyond the congregation.
“We encourage our churchgoers to invite people into our church as we can help each other in many ways.
“It is a time for love, forgiveness and unity,” he added.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church has also focused on giving back, with a month-long programme to support the needy.
“In our church we have a Loving Hand Ministry. Today, we gave out 120 packets of food to those in need,” said Rev David Devapirian.
“We’ve been serving the community for almost the past month and also carolled at 60 to 70 houses over five days.
“We have decorated lights around the church to show the festiveness of Christmas.”
At the Church of the Assumption in Petaling Jaya, a simple nativity scene has been set at its entrance alongside wreaths hanging on the walls inside the church.
“We’re keeping the decorations modest as Christmas is not all about displays but remembering how the celebration came to be.
“The nativity scene took about a month to set up, with volunteers helping during their free time,” said Anthony Leonard Bernard Soyza, 29.
He heads the youth ministry which is involved in Christmas preparations at the parish.
He said that church officials and leaders also worked around the clock to ensure the smooth running of the Christmas Eve midnight mass and the Christmas Day mass.
“It’s a joint effort to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“Our choirs, church ministers, lectors and more had regular briefings and rehearsals to make sure everyone understood their duties,” he said.
Good cheer: Maxine Lim (right) and Grace Chan enjoying the festive spirit at the Hyatt Regency in Kuala Lumpur. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
Soyza added that Christmas festivities will not end on Christmas Day itself.
“We have a Family Day scheduled on Dec 28, with carolling activities also to be held later in the week among the local church communities,” he said.
According to Christian beliefs, Dec 25 marks the date of Jesus Christ’s birth.
There was also a joint community effort at the Catholic Church of The Sacred Heart of Jesus here, with parishioners coming together to decorate the church.
“The set-up for the nativity scene was led by the Mandarin Apostolate group, with support from other parishioners who volunteered their time to recreate the scene.
“It has also been a big hit with the children who come to the church here,” said an official when met.
The nativity scene features the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph as well as the three wise men and shepherds.
“The wreaths and Christmas trees were also set up by volunteers from the parish.
“Everyone plays their part here,” said the official.
