Be The Gift: Christmas Joy Together

Domus Cordis
Jan 1
3 min read

Makan Siang Natal di Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara

Originally a tradition of the Sant' Egidio community in Rome, the Christmas Luncheon has become a movement in the Archdiocese of Jakarta. This year, the Domus Cordis (DC) community hosted the Christmas Luncheon for the 10th time, welcoming 480 street friends, people with disabilities, and refugee families to the meal.

A total of 187 volunteers were also involved in organizing the 2024 Christmas Luncheon at the Judo Building, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. In the spirit of Christmas, the event was titled "Be The Gift ." "Be The Gift emphasizes the aspect of self-giving for the sake of love for others," said Christian Pradana, the project owner of the event. In fact, everyone in attendance became "The Gift" to one another. The sense of togetherness created from the beginning encouraged everyone to participate in the event with joy.

The event began with mini-games led by volunteer table friends to encourage interaction and create a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere among the invited friends and volunteers. Next, the much-anticipated event was the food parade. Enthusiasm grew as the invited friends were invited to enjoy the dishes that had been prepared. The sounds of laughter and the clink of cutlery filled the room, depicting the joyful and warm atmosphere of togetherness during lunch. "It's delicious... I can't fit anymore, I'm so full!" said Mrs. Desi, one of the disabled friends, to the volunteers at her table.

After the meal, various performances by the invited guests, including singing and dancing, added to the festive atmosphere. Shortly afterward, the arrival of Santa Claus, bearing gifts, followed by the gift-giving friends, also became a highlight. The gift-giving friends distributed gifts to all the guests in attendance, creating an unforgettable, joyful moment.

Behind the cheerfulness of this event, there was the blessing of Christmas joy felt by all involved. Not only the invited friends felt the joy, but also the committee and volunteers in attendance. For those unable to celebrate Christmas with their families, this event served as a reminder of the meaning of Christmas—togetherness, sharing love, and caring. God touched the hearts of each individual with greetings, sincere smiles, firm handshakes, laughter, and positive words.

Be The Gift : A Christmas Celebration with the Inmates of Cipinang Prison, Jakarta

On December 24, 2024, Be The Gift was also held at Cipinang Prison. Here, we shared the joy of Christmas with our brothers and sisters serving time behind bars. The joy of Christmas filled the hearts of everyone present. Smiles, laughter, jokes, and songs filled the atmosphere. Be The Gift also celebrated the Holy Eucharist—the Christmas Mass.

Be The Gift : Christmas Lunch at Kanisius Sumber Middle School, Magelang Regency

Apart from Kelapa Gading and Cipinang Prison in Jakarta, DC also held its first Christmas Lunch in Central Java, namely at Kanisius Sumber Middle School, Magelang.

" Kembul Bujana Kanthi Guyub - Eating is our life, not our life, eating is our life " is the theme of Be The Gift 2024 which is a collaboration of communities that are members of the Charis Archdiocese of Semarang (KAS), such as BPK PKK KAS, Catholic Family Ministry (CFM), Holy Trinity Community (KTM) and Domus Cordis. In addition, this activity is supported by St. Maria Lourdes Parish, SMP Kanisius Sumber, Kanisius Foundation Magelang Branch, Interfaith Community, Sant'Egidio Community, Sumber Village Officials and the surrounding community. The total number of people who attended and participated in this event was around 350 people.

The event took place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Kanisius Sumber Junior High School, Magelang Regency. Kembul Bujana, which means a communal meal, is a tradition in Central Java and Yogyakarta that continues to this day. This tradition is not only about eating together with others but also has the meaning of expressing gratitude to God and also contains social values to strengthen the sense of brotherhood and mutual cooperation. Therefore, all of us who attended shared the joy with our brothers and sisters with disabilities and underprivileged elderly from various religious backgrounds. So that with this, we can all unite as brothers and sisters and also share the love and joy of Christmas with them.

The Domus Cordis community hopes that the Be The Gift event can inspire more people to be a blessing to others, especially during loving moments like Christmas.

Merry Christmas 2024 from the Domus Cordis Community!

Writer: