As we waved 2020 goodbye, the King of Kings Community Herzliya wrapped up the year with the best slogan: Let there be Light!
“Let there be Light!” was a holiday music event that brought together both those celebrating Hanukkah and the ones who observe Christmas. In the middle of December, one neighborhood of the coastal town of Herzliya resounded with holiday cheer.
An Event Like No Other – Times 3!
The ongoing pandemic, and the restrictions it caused, has affected churches and congregations greatly. Certainly, the Israeli government has been very strict in that regard. At various times the government limited gatherings in Israel to 20 people, then to 50 people, and to 10 people, now 5 people… Every pastor and leader showed great flexibility and creativity in caring for their community.
This was also the case for Daniel and Jalene Geppert, leaders of King of Kings Community Herzliya. Usually in December, they host a holiday gathering, welcoming all interested. This year they were not able to have an open house. Instead, they prepared three outdoor events (with the same program). This allowed for more people to attend the event called “Let there be Light”.
In December in Israel, 20 people could gather at a time, as long as they were outdoors and wearing masks. These regulations made planning a little more complicated. But the result was a huge success: each participant felt like they were attending a private concert!
Let There Be Light
Whether Israelis and foreign visitors, many in Israel were missing holiday décor and the warmth of holiday gatherings. So, King of Kings Community Herzliya stepped in to let their guests and neighbors experience something dreamlike. The beautiful decor, festive snacks, a real bonfire for kids to roast marshmallows – each element brought much needed smiles and excitement.
Each evening, the key of the program blew everyone away! The worship leaders of the Herzliya Congregation, Daniela and Matthew Escobar, put together a musical performance worthy of a concert hall. They included well-known Christmas carols, and several songs written by Jewish artists.
King of Kings Community Herzliya
Many first-time visitors were blown away that the congregation would put on an event like this, completely free of charge. But “Let there be Light” was exactly what the community needed at the end of 2020.
The beautiful and professional look of the event made the attendees feel very special, and at the same time gave them a sense of normalcy. “Let there be Light” allowed King of Kings Community Herzliya share their faith in a very direct but meaningful way.
Our God is the Father of Lights (James 1:17) and He sent His Son to bring Light to this world (Isaiah 9:2). In these difficult days, we can continue telling the world that the Light has come and darkness did not overcome it!