UNS — The Christian Association of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and Institut Seni Indonesia (Indonesian Insitute of the Arts-ISI) Surakarta, held a Joint-Christmas Celebration 2020, broadcasted through UNS Youtube Account, Saturday morning (9/1/2021). The celebration took a theme of ‘They Named Him, Immanuel,’ based on a verse from Matius 1:23, “Indeed, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Immanuel”- meaning: Allah be with us.
On this occasion, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, leave a message that the celebration, which had to be held virtually due to Covid-19, shall not dampen the Christian’s belief and spirit toward God. Further, Prof. Jamal states that humans, especially Christians, should strengthen their faith and hope in God to always be given a blessing and strength, to live in a new custom adaptation in their daily activities.
“Facing this pandemic, God’s will is greatly needed. Because only God can save mankind. God will not leave His people live in fear and anxiety. Instead, He will always present with the power of His love,” Prof. Jamal said. He also wishes that the Christians will always be blessed with happiness through Christmas, although most of them cannot get together with their parents, and other relatives.
Besides Prof. Jamal, the Rector of ISI Surakarta, Dr. Guntur, also deliver his Christmas message.
Dr. Guntur considered this virtual Joint-Christmas Celebration as concrete evidence of their effort to stop the Covid-19 spread. He further hopes that the community can resume their normal activities. “Without reducing its meaning, but we elevate it. When health becomes the priority, the duties and obligations can be implemented collectively. Thus we can play an active role in breaking the spread of the Covid-19,” he states.
The Joint-Christmas Celebration 2020 is enlivened by dance offerings from ISI Surakarta and praise songs from Christian Students Association (PMK) and Catholic Students Association (KMK) UNS. Besides that, Christmas prayers and reflections were delivered directly by the Head of Purbawardayan Parish Rm. Antonius Saptana Hadi, PR, and Pdt. Uri Christian Sakti Labekti. In this reflection, Pdt. Uri Christian Sakti Labekti prays that Christians will always be surrounded by God’s blessings.
“Be the witness of God wherever you are and accept His blessings. God bless you, protect you, and shine a light on you with His face and give you His grace. God will turn His face to you and give you peace now and forever,” Pdt. Uri Christian Sakti Labekti states. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti