'Heri ya Krismas' was just one of the 14 languages saying "Happy Christmas" at the International Christmas Evening at Roundhay Evangelical Church last Saturday night. The hall in Fitzroy Drive was nicely full as people wandered from country to country - actually from table to table, as each country had a table with speciality food and items of interest.

Brazilian prune cake, Pfefferkuchen, Mexican Soup, Yemeni biscuits, French cheese, and Tanzanian Mandazi were among the amazing array of delicious items. The prize for identifying photos of countries round the world was won by a young man who got an impressive 17 out of 20.

After a Swahili song there was a short comment on how international the first Christmas was - shepherds from Israel (Aramaic speakers) saw the Saviour of the common people, wise men from the east (Greek speakers no doubt) came to acknowledge the one born King (apparently, wise men still do!!), the Hebrew speaking devout Jew Simeon recognised the glory of Israel, and quoting Isaiah said he was the 'light to the gentiles', and possible Roman census officials verified that the baby Jesus was indeed born as a real person in history.

A wasted Christmas present is an unopened gift left under the tree - Jesus is God's Christmas gift to us all - don't leave him as an unwanted present.

Roundhay Evangelical Church's carol services are next Sunday (21st) at the Parochial Hall, Fitzroy Drive at 10.30 and 6.30. All are welcome, whatever nationality - even English!!!