Each Christmas around the globe we celebrate the absolute best gift ever given. When through the birth of Jesus. The love of heaven broke into the world. The angel’s announcement from many years ago still fills the earth with hope: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11, NIV)
The celebration of Christmas continues to be a joy filled sound that echoes around the world. It is a story filled with awe and wonder that invites us all to gather. From South Africa to the United Kingdom, Denmark, Brazil, Australia, Canada and beyond. At Hillsong Church we especially get to bear witness to a stunning and diverse global birthday party for Jesus, through countless languages and songs. The birth of Jesus is shared through a tapestry of traditions within our churches, families, and communities.
Christmas captures global attention. The beauty is not only found in the miraculous holy story. Of Emmanuel God with us! But it is also found in the unity that the celebration of Jesus brings. The bold truth is. That no matter the details of the tradition, the same love unites us. The birth of Jesus transcends cultures, backgrounds, languages, and borders. Reminding us that Jesus is for all people.
Christmas brings together in spirit our global spiritual family. It is a glimpse of the unity described in Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This season let us reflect on the beautiful Christmas mosaic of how Jesus is celebrated around the world.
What are your pieces of the Christmas mosaic? This is what I asked some of our staff from various global locations. Their answers about their growing up traditions are beautiful. Each one different yet with value. As you listen, let their stories deepen your own Christmas celebration.
Jerry Brown, the Hillsong North London (UK) Location Pastor shared the following, “I am from a strong Christian Caribbean Community. So, Christmas has always been special, busy & very exciting. My parents are from Jamaica, but they came to the UK and are a part of the ‘Wind Rush Generation.’ We have a beautiful infusion of a British/Caribbean Christmas dinner from both sides of the world. As well as presents and lots of people over. Christmas growing up was a lot of fun. Our main reason for Christmas has always been Jesus Christ. The moment we take as a family to thank God is always meaningful. Today our family culture remains potent. My brother and I leave our homes and bring our families for a few nights at mum’s. It is still a lively Christmas, still spent at my mum’s.”
Joyce Wilkinson, one of our Lead Pastors at Hillsong Berlin shares the following, “A cultural Christmas tradition that is special to me is the advent wreath and candle. The lighting of the candles on the four Advent Sundays has been a beautiful way to keep us focused on Jesus. Although there are many options of wreaths. I prefer the circular wreath symbolizing God’s never-ending Kingdom. The candles represent Hope (Prophet’s Candle), Faith
(Bethlehem Candle), Joy (Shepherd’s Candle), and Peace (Angel’s Candle). The advent scriptures that go with them continue to be a source of encouragement. Whether it has been a disappointing challenging year, a fruitful year, or both.”
Thomas Hansen, one of the Lead Pastors at Hillsong Denmark shares: “Growing up as a “third culture child,” with a Danish and American mom my childhood was a hybrid of language and culture. Our home was always open to people from around the world. There was no unspoken list of requirements of Christmas food or traditions. It was all about gathering together. The hybrid and at times chaos became meaningful. Now, married to someone who also grew up between cultures—Australia and England. We’re raising kids who represent several cultures. We see kids that are finding pride in being different from the predominant culture. For us, that means celebrating Christmas on both Christmas Eve and morning. After all, Santa brings presents while we sleep. Not while we’re watching as he does in Denmark!”
Sarah Carvalho, the Operations Manager at Hillsong Latin America shares the following: “My favorite tradition is how we celebrate Christmas as a party. Our whole extended family gathers. Each family brings an amazing dish to share, and we all dress up in our best clothes. We start Christmas Eve and stay awake into the early hours of the 25th talking and being together. Traditional foods like rice with raisins, turkey, and farofa (a mix of cassava flour, breadcrumbs, bacon, raisins, prunes, corn, and pineapple) were staples. Cracking nuts against the door was another quirky tradition we always enjoyed. At my grandparents’ house, as midnight approached. My grandma would gather almost 50 people—19 of whom were kids—into the living room and balcony. She would read the first chapters of Luke while all the children eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival. As a child, the excitement of receiving presents was magical. Ss a teenager, the overnight conversations with cousins created unforgettable memories.”
Yosafat Gunawan, who is the Direct Sales Manager for Hillsong Resources shares: “All of my memories of Christmas are in the church. I am Indonesian by birth, raised in a Christian family, and a fourth-generation Chinese immigrant. Although Christianity is a minority in Indonesia Christmas is still a public holiday. My parents had the means to celebrate it at home they simply chose not to. Instead, we served at church. Where people of every race and walk of life came together to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. Growing up I didn’t have a conventional Christmas tradition. But that does not mean that you can’t embrace
your own tradition. When you see past the food, decorations, and presents, there is so much more that we can do. Helping others in need and making Christmas meaningful for other people.”
Tanya Sampson, the Managing Director of the Hillsong South Africa Foundation shares: “The most important thing about Christmas has always been that my family is together. Growing up we started planning the menu and buying ingredients two months before the day. Everything had to be extra excellent – the food, the clothes, the best plates, and cutlery, etc. It was and is the only non-negotiable Family Day. There is an anchoring in that. No matter how wide, expansive, and busy our lives might be. No matter how much things change. When Christmas Day is coming there will be a returning and a togetherness. Since my dad passed away in 2020 the details of Christmas have become simpler. My dad and my mom were the key planners. But the key features of togetherness, music and laughter have remained the main ingredients.”
Lastly, here is what Peresi Iranyumvila the Hillsong Perth (Australia) Youth Pastor shares: “A Christmas tradition that is deeply special to me. Is how we celebrated Christmas in my home country Tanzania through the church. It wasn’t about one moment—it was an entire experience. The preparation started with cooking the night before, filling the air with the aroma of spices and anticipation for the day ahead. Then came the dressing up in our finest clothes, not just for appearances but to honor the day. The church became a vibrant gathering place, alive with choirs, dances, and praise that could move your spirit. It wasn’t about just family; it was about the entire community coming together in faith and joy.”
Let’s continue. To listen and learn about the Christmas traditions of those around us. Whether someone we serve with, in our connect group, our neighbor, or someone else. Our unity increases when we learn more about each other. When we take time to listen to people’s stories. The Christmas season is the perfect time to ask, “What are your pieces of the Christmas mosaic. What are some of your current or growing up Christmas traditions?”
The joy of Christmas around the world is the same! The joy that Jesus is born. The joy that love has come. The joy that hope is here. They joy that through Jesus we are one! How stunning that together we are one voice. In all our different languages, in unity proclaiming: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Because truly, Christmas is for all.
Written by,
Dec 24 2024
