Songs of Joy and Service: Swansea Youth Celebrate Christ and Close 2025 with Praise

A spirit of worship, music, and fellowship filled the sanctuary as the youth of the Swansea Seventh-day Adventist church led a special Christmas Carols Sabbath Service and afternoon programme on Sabbath, 20 December, bringing 2025 to a joyful and faith-filled close.

The morning service opened on a high note with a vibrant rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, beautifully sung by the Swansea Adventist Youth Choir. The entire service was youth-led, with young people taking active roles in Bible readings, musical items, and a reflective poem (see the poem at the end of this article) that highlighted their experiences, growth, and leadership lessons throughout the year.

Despite the pressures of examinations and coursework, the youth committed themselves wholeheartedly to preparation. Their dedication was evident in a service marked by harmony, enthusiasm, and reverent joy – offering a powerful reminder that when God is placed first, He provides strength to meet every challenge.

Adding further depth to the worship experience was the contribution of a talented student band, who accompanied both the choir and the congregation. Their musical excellence enriched the service and demonstrated the beauty of teamwork in ministry. Notably, several of the students remained in Swansea an extra week to support and serve during this youth-led celebration – a touching testimony of commitment, sacrifice, and faith.

Following a festive fellowship lunch, the church family reconvened for an afternoon Carols Programme, which continued the celebration through music, light-hearted games, and shared refreshments. The atmosphere reflected the warmth of Christian community and the joy of the Christmas season.

Reflecting on the day, one young person shared, “This was the best day I have had.” Another added, “It was amazing to see everyone come together – not just to sing carols, but to celebrate what God has done for us this year. Leading this service reminded us that when we serve, we grow.”

More than a musical programme, the event stood as a meaningful expression of youth leadership, faith in action, and service-driven worship. It was a fitting conclusion to 2025 and a hopeful step into the new year with hearts filled with gratitude and praise.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

‘Hope Was Born’
Swansea Youth Poem

2025

We’ve been busy this year.

Busy with life. Busy with purpose.

Busy on the football field.

Running together. Learning teamwork.

Busy serving our community.

Packing care bags. Giving our time.

Busy growing as leaders.

Learning to serve. Learning to lead.

And in the middle of all that movement –

We pause.

Because Jesus didn’t arrive in a rush.

He arrived quietly.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.”

No spotlight.

No stage.

No cheering crowd.

Just a manger.

Just a young mother.

And heaven watching.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

His name is Jesus.

The King of Kings chose a cradle –

Not a throne.

Chose humility –

Not power.

Chose love –

Not pride.

That sounds like what we’ve been learning.

All year long.

That leadership isn’t loud.

It’s faithful.

That serving matters.

Even when no one sees.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

That’s how Jesus led.

So, Christmas isn’t just a story we tell –

It’s a life we live.

Not just a song we sing –

But a hope we carry.

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

He came close.

Into our year.

Into our busyness.

Into our youth.

Into our future.

Hope was born.
Love stepped in.
Jesus is here.

That is the reason for Christmas.

cocreated [Cranfield, 2025]