Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Christmas In the Red Light District: Indian Slums, a Bethlehem Stable, and a Savior for the World

The sights and sounds of Christmas were on vivid display as hundreds of people gathered with fascination to watch and listen to the presentation. The music was loud and jubilant, boldly declaring the birth of Jesus. The live nativity scene – complete with adorable angels and determined wise men – was comprised of excited children helping each other adjust their elaborate costumes and stick on beards that rivaled those of Duck Dynasty.

I wasn't at a megachurch or a school play or a shopping mall. It was the Sunday before Christmas, and I was in Asia's largest red light district, the notorious streets of Kamathipura in Mumbai, India.
This Christmas season I set out to explore how some of the poorest and most vulnerable in India approach the Advent, and how Jesus' birth is presented and celebrated by believers in seemingly unlikely environments in our world.

"At Christmas we have the unique opportunity to go all out with the love and hope of the Gospel," explained Tom Varghese of Bombay Teen Challenge, the group organizing the annual Christmas rally and parade in Kamathipura. "Other groups have their festivals, and this is our time to openly share what we believe."

Continued

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