The Season of Advent holds deep religious significance for Christians, as a season of preparation and hope, marking the anticipation of Christ’s coming. Its events and activities—such as lighting the Advent candles, wreath, reading Scripture, and engaging in prayer & carol singing services—serve as spiritual anchors that remind people of God’s presence and love.
The GP Ministries Christingle Multilingual Carol Singing event last week was one such event that brought people of different age, colour, race, gender, and faiths together who joyfully sang in different languages, dancing, eating, and rejoicing together in a safe, relaxed environment. There were carol songs sung in English, Punjabi, Ibo, Twi, Swahili, and Yoruba languages.
The event, funded by the Luton Rising & BLCF (Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation), was organised by The GP Ministries to tackle isolation and exclusion in the community around the festive month of December.
A participant said, “The event offered a profound sense of connection, inviting everyone into a shared journey of togetherness.”
The GP Ministries, being a ministry of reconciliation & restoration purposefully made it a multilingual event to douse the recent racial rhetoric/tensions in the United Kingdom and promote positive engagement, and cohesion.
It was incredible to see people of different race, colour, gender, faith, social backgrounds, all embracing one another at this event.
Pastor Lawrence Fagbayi of the GP Ministries said, “The message here is for all to intentionally learn to know more about their neighbours or someone that doesn't look like them as Christ who is being celebrated this month loved all, and this would help make the world more peaceful and a better place for everyone.”
He further explained, “We had a Community Outdoor event in August 2024 to heal the wounds of the last year’s summer riots in the UK and build community cohesion. At this event people encouraged us to organise inter-generational activities for more connection with young people – re anti-social behaviour and inclusion of the older members of the community – prevent social isolation and focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, with help from Luton Citizens' Fund, we held series of three main events – Thriving Together, Sharing & Caring, and Christingle – all aimed at improving the lives and wellbeing of young people, parents, and elderly.
The GP Ministries Christingle Multilingual event sung carol songs in English, Punjabi, Ibo, Twi, Swahili, and Yoruba languages.