Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts Killeen Interfaith Nativity Celebration

The Killeen Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted an Interfaith Nativity Celebration on November 30, 2019. Surrounding communities were invited to attend and enjoy nativity displays from around the world, as well as a free family photo in nativity garb.

Two interfaith choral performances highlighted the event. St. Elizabeth Seaton Catholic Choir, Comanche Chapel Gospel Service, and the Samoan Congregational Christian Choir joined with The Church of Jesus Christ choir to make a joyful noise and create bonds of lasting friendship. All the choir members were from Fort Hood but were sponsored by their respective churches off-post.

President Wendell Jones of the Latter-day Saint congregations conducted the program. Gospel Choir Chaplain Darrel Davis provided the invocation for the 5:00 pm performance, while Chaplain David Jacob, the Deputy Installation Chaplain at Fort Hood, prayed at the 7:00 pm service. President Jones then briefly spoke about the importance of celebrating our Savior and about ‘Light the World- One by One’.

‘Light the World’ is an invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to transform Christmas into a season of service and to follow the example of Jesus Christ by ministering to others one by one—just like He did. Millions worldwide, individually and as groups, have been participating in Light the World. It’s not too late to add your light. Everyone is invited to go to Light the World for suggestions and ideas on how they, too, can make a difference.

Latter-day Saint Choir Director Jessica Barnum introduced the choirs, and then each choir performed two or three musical selections with attendees singing Christmas hymns between each choir. The performance was followed by a viewing of “The Christ Child” movie which introduced this year’s “Light the World, One by One” theme. Afterward, the Latter-day Saint Choir sang, “All on a Silent Night”, a very touching rendition of “Silent Night”, with a benediction by Bishop Tyler Martin at 5:00 pm and Chaplain Shawn Droge at 7:00 pm.  

The missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assisted in welcoming, hosting, and escorting the choirs and nearly 500 attendees who enjoyed refreshments, as well as a Light the World display with video clips and JustServe, a website dedicated to connecting volunteers with organizations in need of help. 

“Overall, it was an incredible event – particularly to have our interfaith guests in our chapel,” said organizer Darren Coleman, Killeen Texas Stake Public Affairs Director. “As they sang, I felt a powerful Spirit in the room. Something truly special is beginning to take place here in Central Texas as we find strength together as people of faith.

“Interfaith brings unity. During a time when religious freedoms are at stake, the more we as people of faith can join hands, look for common ground, and respect each other’s differences, the more unified we will become to establish a stronger front.”