More than 130 of our young adults gathered in small groups of 5-6 (including the host) across 22 lovely homes on 12 December 2020 to participate in this event to celebrate the reason for the season – the birth of Christ and His significance in our lives. For this festive occasion, our young adults were encouraged to invite new friends or old friends whom they would like to reconnect with, especially since many have not met each other during this COVID year. For every young adult host who generously welcomed their 5 guests into their homes, the church supported them by sponsoring a Christmas dinner party set delivered to their homes for the evening.

Though gathering separately in different homes, we all convened online via Zoom for the combined 12.12 Christmas programme. Barnabas, our lively emcee for the night, welcomed the groups and his team led us all in a time of hilarious party games to kick-start the event. Our PLMC home-grown G-Major acapella group and friends also added to the festive cheer with their beautiful rendition of Christmas carols that resounded in the 22 homes that evening. 

Rev Alex Chew shared a word of encouragement from God’s Word for this season, illustrating the parallel between this COVID year with the experience that the Israelites went through in the wilderness. Though there may seem to be trouble and uncertainty everywhere and God’s people are asking where He is in the midst of it all, we must remember that Christ came so that we can have hope. It is not only the 1st Advent (the first coming of Christ) that gives us hope, but also the 2nd Advent (the second coming of Christ) that promises us deliverance from our trials. Hence, the picture of our broken world is not a complete reality, for Jesus came to save us from our brokenness, and thus we can truly proclaim ‘Joy to the World’! What a sweet assurance this message gives us!

As the singing of the Christmas carols continued for the evening and the Zoom camera spotlighted each of the homes, the individual groups waved eagerly to the rest of the community and it was truly a heart-warming sight. Though physically apart from one another, we are still a part of God’s redeemed family. Because of Christ, because of Christmas, we can have joy. 

As the event came to an end, the YA church staff, Justin, thanked the programme team and all the young adult hosts who had so generously extended their hospitality to their friends for the evening. He encouraged the groups to continue their fellowship and pray for each other in the homes. Truly, despite COVID, this was indeed a special Christmas Homecoming experience, literally in our homes!