In the run-up to the event, our ‘family members’ (as we call those who live with us), took part in a Bible study about Jesus being the ‘light of the world’ and His request that we too ‘shine our lights’.

“The Christian faith is very important to those who live with us,” says Hilary, our Activities and Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator at the home. “This was a lovely way for them to reflect on the importance of Christ’s birth and then take part in an evangelistic event.”

While it wasn't possible for our family members to head outside onto the street itself, our team at Emmaus House were able to get a little creative, ensuring they could take part from the comfort of their own home...

On the afternoon of the event, our family members gathered in the upstairs lounge, which was lit by the soft glow of numerous fairy lights and candles. They faced out of the big bay window, which was opened with the curtains thrown wide. Everyone was given a carol sheet that they were able to read with small bright torches.

A small group of volunteers from local churches also gathered by the front door to help increase visibility and support the singing impact of the family members above. These volunteers came from Harrogate Baptist Church, Mowbray Community Church, St Andrew's Church, Starbeck and Christchurch Harrogate.

Musical accompaniment was provided on the piano by volunteer David Hughes, a retired Baptist minister and a regular volunteer at Emmaus House, while Administrator Gareth Saunders played the acoustic guitar.

Together, the two groups sang eight carols, with our ACE Facilitator Hilary and our The Way We Care Lead Mark liaising via a phone link in order to keep the groups singing together.

“There were a couple of times those downstairs had to race to catch up, but overall it worked pretty well,” says Hilary.

One family member who thoroughly enjoyed taking part was Lyn,79. She said, “This event was a wonderful time for us to be able to ‘shine a light’ into the world and I hope and pray that people are reminded what Christmas is all about – JESUS!”

Our grateful thanks go to all of our family members for sharing their joy in Christ so enthusisatically, the staff members who made it happen and the church volunteers who came along to support.

More about Shine Your Light...

Shine Your Light is a Christian grassroots movement, which last year saw over 78,000 Christians from over 700 churches take their Christmas events into public spaces in December 2023. This year, the campaign aimed to see over 100,000 Christians singing the real meaning of Christmas to over 1 million people, with large events planned in December at Trafalgar Square, Westfield Shopping Centre East London, Trafalgar Square alongside many Football Clubs.

In a letter sent to one of the campaign's organisers Dr Jonathan Oloyede, King Charles sent his 'warmest wishes' praising their efforts to 'bring many Christian denominations together' and 'share in faith this festive period'.

For more information, visit: www.shineyourlight.org.uk