Gift wrapped church spreads Christmas cheer in London

One church determined to spread some cheer amidst the credit crunch gloom is Jesus House in north London.

The church, which is home to almost 2,000 worshippers every Sunday, has for the first time ever enveloped its building in specially made wrapping paper which depicts one of the most enduring images of Christmas, the nativity scene emblazoned with the message ‘Happy Birthday Jesus – The Ultimate Christmas Gift'.

Church members are now praying the public will come and view their gift wrapped building, which is a first for a London church, as well as enjoy the special events and benefit from the charitable endeavours the church has organised during this season of Advent.

They also hope people will visit their new website www.ultimate-gift.com, which explains the reason behind the Christmas season.

Jesus House has been busy doing much to serve Londoners during the month of December. Church volunteers have been present at several London Underground stations giving out hot beverages, freshly squeezed juices and mince pies in an annual project called ‘Spreading Christmas Cheer’. They are set to continue doing so throughout the Christmas season.

On December 19 gospel artists from Jesus House will be singing Christmas carols and gospel songs at Brent Cross Shopping Centre to spread some gospel cheer to shoppers. On December 20, the church is set to distribute Christmas lunch in hamper baskets to residents living on three different housing estates in the London boroughs of Barnet, Grahame Park, Stonegrove and West Hendon.

The public are also invited to attend Jesus House’s special carol service being held on Christmas Eve as well as their Christmas Day celebrations, and on December 31 over 10,000 people are expected to attend their special New Year’s Eve celebration being held at Wembley Arena.

Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of Jesus House said, “Despite the gloom and despondency that has prevailed in the last few months because of the credit crunch and the recession, it’s important to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating the birth of Christ who came to give people hope.

“We believe that the range of events and activities we have organised for the advent season will not only spread some Christmas cheer, but also remind people of the reason for Christmas.

"It’s a season to give, share and show love to one another, and if we can encourage Londoners to do that we will have achieved our aim.”