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Tue, 17 Dec 2024
JIMBARAN – Widiatmika Elementary School celebrated Christmas 2024 under the theme Back to Bethlehem, symbolizing a return to the fundamental values of life taught through the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The theme carried profound messages of peace, love, and hope, resonating with all students regardless of their religious background.
Jessica Nopiaty Tarigan, Chair of the 2024 Christmas Celebration Committee, shared that the event was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Khanti Widya Hall and the Arts Room. The celebration began with a prayer, followed by a Christmas service for Christian and Catholic students, while other students participated in a Christmas hat-making and decorating competition.
After the service, Christian and Catholic students gathered in the Khanti Widya Hall to perform a Christmas play titled Jesus Heals a Blind Man. They also presented choir performances and interactive songs. Songs such as Gloria! Sambut Sahabat Kita and Feliz Navidad were chosen to allow all students, including non-Christian and non-Catholic ones, to join in the singing, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Jessica explained that the event also included an educational segment about the meaning of the Christmas tree for all students. This was aimed at broadening their knowledge and fostering mutual respect. Additionally, a gift exchange session hosted by Santa Claus added to the excitement, concluding with presents distributed by the school principal, teachers, and staff.
“Tolerance is one of the core values of Christmas. While Christmas is a Christian celebration, the themes of love, peace, and sharing are universal values that everyone can embrace, regardless of their religion. Through shared activities, students are taught to appreciate different perspectives and religious traditions while celebrating diversity,” Jessica stated.
She further emphasized that involving all students in the 2024 Christmas celebration was a way to teach the importance of diversity. Students learned to respect and accept differences as a part of life in a shared community.
“Christmas also reminds us that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, regardless of status or position. This is a crucial value in character education, encouraging students to see their peers as equals, without prejudice or bias,” Jessica concluded.
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