Posted: December 31st, 2025
Fairhavens Filipino Christmas Fair Brings Hope and the Meaning of Christmas to the Community
The Fairhavens Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church joyfully opened its doors to the community during its annual Christmas Fair on December 20, 2025, held at the Vellore Village Community Centre. Celebrated every third Sabbath of December, the Christmas Fair has become a meaningful tradition, reminding neighbours and friends that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given to humanity.
The day began with a warm and welcoming worship service, bringing together church members and community guests as one family. Every small group participated, creating an atmosphere of unity, belonging, and celebration. At the heart of the service was an interactive message entitled “Who Would You Be in the Christmas Story?” Rather than simply retelling the nativity, attendees were invited to step into the story and reflect on its familiar characters. Mary’s faith and surrender, Joseph’s obedience and responsibility, the shepherds’ humility and eagerness, the wise men’s search for truth, the innkeeper’s distraction, Herod’s resistance, and the angels’ joyful proclamation all came to life in personal and practical ways.
Two simple yet powerful questions guided the reflection:
- Which character do you relate to most this Christmas, and why?
- What does the birth of Jesus invite you to do today?
These questions prompted honest introspection, helping participants recognise that the Christmas story continues to unfold in everyday life through our choices, attitudes, and actions.
A litany and a dedicatory prayer followed, officially opening the Christmas Fair and committing the entire event to God’s leading and purpose.
As the fair continued, guests explored a variety of ministry booths designed to engage both hearts and minds. The Health Ministry’s Plinko Health Challenge combined fun with learning, reinforcing the Eight Laws of Health and the RESTORED principles through simple, practical challenges. At the Prayer Ministry booth, guests worked together on the Lord’s Prayer Puzzle, filling the space with laughter and encouragement as many discovered the beauty and depth of the prayer while arranging it in the correct order.
Families were especially drawn to the Family and Children’s Ministry booth, titled “Jesus, Our Promise Keeper.” Centred on the story of Noah’s Ark, participants were challenged to recall and arrange the animals in their correct order. Beyond the activity, families were reminded that God keeps His promises. Just as God was faithful to Noah, the birth of Jesus assures us that God remains faithful to His people today.
The highlight of the day was the Nativity Play, presented by the youth, young adults, and adults of the Fairhavens Filipino Adventist Church. Through music, narration, and drama, the story of Jesus’ birth unfolded as a powerful message of hope for all. The presentation echoed the promise of Matthew 1:23, reminding everyone that Immanuel—God with us—is still present today.
More than a festive gathering, the Fairhavens Christmas Fair became a shared experience of faith, joy, love and hope, leaving the community reminded that the true meaning of Christmas is found in Jesus Christ. Through service, storytelling, and community connection, the church continues to faithfully share Christ’s love throughout the Christmas season and beyond.