Candles, generators, and a message of hope
(LWI) - The traditional Christmas arrangements in the Lutheran church in Kharkiv were crafted by candlelight this year. "Ten missiles on electric infrastructure in Kharkiv in a single day," Bishop Pavlo Shvarts of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine (GELCU) noted on social media on 17 December 2022. "Thanks to our electricians and the air defense, light, and some heating returned to our homes in the evening. We are still waiting for the water supply to come back." At the same time, he thanked Diakonia Polska (Diakonia Kościoła Ewangelicko-Augsburskiego w RP - Diakonia Polska) of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (ECACP) for a gift of candles. "They remind us of the hope we have in our Lord this winter," he said.
Gifts of light are precious these days in Ukraine. Be it reflecting bracelets for children so they are visible in the dark, a donation by Polish Lutherans, or candles – or generators and other equipment for heating points. The cold winter brings many hardships, but also signs of solidarity and care.
Despite the ongoing attacks, Christians have come together to celebrate Advent, Bishop Shvarts shares. "We have regular Sunday services in our 15 congregations, including the one in Berdiansk. Two more congregations hold regular prayer meetings." Only one congregation in the territory under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation isn't active at the moment. The Lutheran Church will celebrate Christmas on 25 December as usual, Shvarts adds: "It is during times like these that we need light, warmth, and hope to encourage our hearts."
It is during times like these that we need light, warmth, and hope to encourage our hearts.
– Bishop Pavlo SHVARTS, German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine