The season of joy is here
Christmas is a time of giving and the event inspired so much generosity.
WHITE RIVER – A large and festive crowd turned up for Church Unlimited White River’s (CUWR) Carols under the Stars evening on Friday December 9, ushering in the first post-pandemic Christmas in a truly joyful and beautiful spirit.
The evening kicked off with CUWR’s in-house, nine-piece band playing and singing favourite Christmas carols. They were complemented by the kids’ marimba band from Sinani, which added a vibrant African flavour to the traditional Christian celebration.
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As night fell, 18 young ballet dancers from Gemz Dance Academy danced for the spellbound audience. Dressed as angels in white tutus and draped in fairy lights, they danced to Andrea Bocelli’s “The Greatest Gift”, and gave the evening a magical and etheric quality.
Then, over 30 children, who made up the nativity scene, took to the stage. Sadly, the donkeys never arrived, but Joseph, Mary and the three wise men ensured the tradition was properly and beautifully upheld.
CUWR’s Cheryl Veltman said, “We invited the whole community. Our congregation provided all the food, coffee and hot chocolate for free. There’s a great spirit of giving and love in the White River and Mbombela communities.”
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A sumptuous and inconceivably long harvest table of eats was laid with every sort of canapé and snack, showing just how thoughtful and generous this church’s community is.
CUWR gave a special thanks to Talita van der Walt who was in charge of decor, Hanlie Beukes who organised the eats, church secretary Jo Crawford, Chris Ferreira, Jason Olive, Pr Donovan Bennett from Reach Church and the mastermind behind the programme, worship leader Maresa van den Berg.
Veltman also thanked Ingrid Diallo and Lizahn Hamilton of Gemz Dance Academy and her exquisite troupe of dancers for adding the extra magical touch to the evening.
Her husband, Pr Guy Veltman, invites all Lowvelders to the church’s Christmas Day worship which starts at 09:00.
Youth leader and MC for the evening, Sisanda Sityata said, “Christmas is a time of giving. God gave us his Son and so this is our time to give back in thanks and worship.”
