The Christmas season came alive at San Pablo Lutheran Church, where the congregation and community gathered for the annual Christmas Festival, an event organized in partnership with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM). The day began with a devotional message delivered by San Pablo’s vicar, Alex Escarciga, who shared a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. He emphasized the greatest gift ever given is the salvation through Jesus Christ, setting a heartfelt and meaningful tone for the festivities that followed.

Now in its third year, the festival has become a joyful tradition, bringing joy, fellowship, and support to families in the area. The church grounds were transformed into a hub of excitement and laughter as children enjoyed a wide variety of activities. From face painting and Christmas-themed crafts to games, pictures with Santa, and a lively cakewalk, the event offered endless opportunities for fun and connection.

Delicious treats added to the festive atmosphere, with guests savoring traditional favorites like buñuelos, arroz con leche, and champurrado. The warm, comforting flavors brought smiles to faces as families shared in the joy of the season.

One of the highlights of the festival was the distribution of toys and blankets, a testament to the mission’s dedication to serving the community. Parents and grandparents lined up to pick up toys they had registered for, while others stopped by to receive blankets that would provide much-needed warmth during the winter months. Nearly 150 toys were distributed, with over 120 blankets given to families in need, nurturing happiness and hope in children and adults alike.

The festival also featured a valuable health initiative, thanks to a long-standing partnership with the RotaCare Clinic located on the YLM campus. Free flu vaccines were made available to attendees, a service that many gratefully utilized for themselves and their children. This addition demonstrated holistic care and compassion at the heart of the event, addressing both physical and spiritual well-being.

Throughout the day, the joy was unmistakable. Children ran from station to station, playing games and winning candy prizes, their laughter filling the air. The warm spirit of giving and community united everyone present, creating an atmosphere reflecting the essence of Christmas.

The Christmas Festival at San Pablo Lutheran Church is a beautiful example of how faith, generosity, and love can come together to make a meaningful impact. Through the dedication of the congregation and YLM, this annual event continues to bring light and hope to the community, reminding all present the true joy of the season.

With this first Joy Distribution successfully taking place, YLM is preparing for the Joy Distributions to take place across the border in the Cd. Juarez mission-churches. There is still a need for toys to fulfill the requests for the Mexico mission-churches. Please consider making a donation to our Christmas Toys for Children and Youth so we can ensure every child gets a toy and a smile between now and Epiphany Day!