19 Dec 2024, 16:52Blandine DamtseGlasgow
Celebrating the Advent Season Through Music in Glasgow
This article highlights a special service at Glasgow SDA Church, featuring a sermonette on responses to Jesus’ birth, a gospel choir’s fundraising performance at Central Station, and reflections on faith and worship.
Amidst the festive spirit of the season, the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church hosted a heart-warming event on Saturday, 14th December 2024, celebrating the hope and joy of Jesus Christ. The special Sabbath service featured a play on the Advent, uplifting music, and reflections on the true meaning of Christmas.
Organised by youth volunteer Allan Zukowski, the programme aimed to inspire attendees with the love and hope that Jesus brings. By the time the service began, the church was filled to capacity with members and visitors.
The programme commenced with a captivating play depicting a non-believing family learning about the true meaning of Christmas through their Christian neighbours. Following each of the nine scenes, the Glasgow Adventist Melodies, a youth choir, performed moving songs that complemented the themes of the drama.
Allan, who both wrote the script and directed the choir, shared his reflections:
“It was remarkable to see the children's dedication during the hour-long event. Despite their young age, they remained focused, sang beautifully, and delivered a truly inspiring performance. The play offered valuable lessons about sharing Jesus during the festive season.”
The service also featured a thought-provoking sermonette titled “The Three Reactions to Jesus’ Birth” by youth volunteer Samuel Vieira. Drawing from Matthew 2:1–12, Samuel explored how people responded to Jesus’ birth and encouraged the audience to reflect on their own response:
Like King Herod, who feared losing power, do we hesitate to let Jesus take full control of our lives?
Like the religious leaders, who were indifferent, do we overlook Jesus' message in favour of traditions and materialism?
Like the Wise Men, who responded with humility, devotion, and worship, are we true worshippers of Jesus?
Samuel concluded by urging the congregation to embrace the Wise Men’s response, saying:
“Although Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, He can be born in your hearts today. What is your response to His birth? I invite you to worship our Saviour and to celebrate His birth every day within your hearts.”
The service ended on a high note as the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir joined the youth choir for a beautiful rendition of Hymn 214, with the congregation joyfully joining in.
A Broader Mission
Driven by a passion for connecting with the wider community, the Glasgow Gospel Choir supported Beatson Cancer Charity — Scotland’s largest charitable organisation dedicated to assisting cancer patients — in its annual fundraising appeal by performing at Central Station after the divine service. This initiative builds on a lasting partnership that began during the church's Health Expo and Gospel Concert last summer. Throughout this Advent season, the choir will continue to participate in similar initiatives.
Reflections and Gratitude
Reflecting on the day, Felix and Bussisiwe, youth choir members, spoke about the joy of sharing God’s love through music. Eight-year-old Mia, the youngest actress in the play, was eager to tell her school friends about Jesus. Phelomen Mukangiliye, the local Children’s Ministry leader, praised the children’s performances and thanked the organisers for their dedication.
For Allan Zukowski, it was his first time organising a major event outside of Brazil, his native country. He expressed gratitude for the support of Pastor Claudiu Popescu, Phelomen Mukangiliye, Adina Lupu, Blandine Damtse, the church AV team led by Benjamin Bakina, and all the volunteers. “Despite challenges like sleepless nights spent writing a script in a language that is not my first, this event was a resounding success. To God be all the honour and glory!”
As the Advent season continues, the Glasgow SDA Church plans further community-focused initiatives, embodying the message of Jesus as the ultimate gift of love.
This article highlights a special service at Glasgow SDA Church, featuring a sermonette on responses to Jesus’ birth, a gospel choir’s fundraising performance at Central Station, and reflections on faith and worship.
Amidst the festive spirit of the season, the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church hosted a heart-warming event on Saturday, 14th December 2024, celebrating the hope and joy of Jesus Christ. The special Sabbath service featured a play on the Advent, uplifting music, and reflections on the true meaning of Christmas.
Organised by youth volunteer Allan Zukowski, the programme aimed to inspire attendees with the love and hope that Jesus brings. By the time the service began, the church was filled to capacity with members and visitors.
The programme commenced with a captivating play depicting a non-believing family learning about the true meaning of Christmas through their Christian neighbours. Following each of the nine scenes, the Glasgow Adventist Melodies, a youth choir, performed moving songs that complemented the themes of the drama.
Allan, who both wrote the script and directed the choir, shared his reflections:
“It was remarkable to see the children's dedication during the hour-long event. Despite their young age, they remained focused, sang beautifully, and delivered a truly inspiring performance. The play offered valuable lessons about sharing Jesus during the festive season.”
The service also featured a thought-provoking sermonette titled “The Three Reactions to Jesus’ Birth” by youth volunteer Samuel Vieira. Drawing from Matthew 2:1–12, Samuel explored how people responded to Jesus’ birth and encouraged the audience to reflect on their own response:
Like King Herod, who feared losing power, do we hesitate to let Jesus take full control of our lives?
Like the religious leaders, who were indifferent, do we overlook Jesus' message in favour of traditions and materialism?
Like the Wise Men, who responded with humility, devotion, and worship, are we true worshippers of Jesus?
Samuel concluded by urging the congregation to embrace the Wise Men’s response, saying:
“Although Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, He can be born in your hearts today. What is your response to His birth? I invite you to worship our Saviour and to celebrate His birth every day within your hearts.”
The service ended on a high note as the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir joined the youth choir for a beautiful rendition of Hymn 214, with the congregation joyfully joining in.
A Broader Mission
Driven by a passion for connecting with the wider community, the Glasgow Gospel Choir supported Beatson Cancer Charity — Scotland’s largest charitable organisation dedicated to assisting cancer patients — in its annual fundraising appeal by performing at Central Station after the divine service. This initiative builds on a lasting partnership that began during the church's Health Expo and Gospel Concert last summer. Throughout this Advent season, the choir will continue to participate in similar initiatives.
Reflections and Gratitude
Reflecting on the day, Felix and Bussisiwe, youth choir members, spoke about the joy of sharing God’s love through music. Eight-year-old Mia, the youngest actress in the play, was eager to tell her school friends about Jesus. Phelomen Mukangiliye, the local Children’s Ministry leader, praised the children’s performances and thanked the organisers for their dedication.
For Allan Zukowski, it was his first time organising a major event outside of Brazil, his native country. He expressed gratitude for the support of Pastor Claudiu Popescu, Phelomen Mukangiliye, Adina Lupu, Blandine Damtse, the church AV team led by Benjamin Bakina, and all the volunteers. “Despite challenges like sleepless nights spent writing a script in a language that is not my first, this event was a resounding success. To God be all the honour and glory!”
As the Advent season continues, the Glasgow SDA Church plans further community-focused initiatives, embodying the message of Jesus as the ultimate gift of love.
