Gudo District Officials Attend Christmas Celebration, Emphasize Importance of Tolerance and Security
JOMBANG-JAYA-NEWS – A solemn atmosphere enveloped the Christmas celebration at Bethel Full Gospel Church (GBIS) Kristus Penolong Blimbing, Gudo Sub-district, on Thursday (12/25/2025). The service, attended by hundreds of congregants, was also graced by officials from the Sub-district Coordinating Forum (Forkopimcam) of Gudo and local community leaders.
Representing the Jombang Police Chief, Head of Human Resources Sub-division Police Commissioner Yanuar Tri Ratna Sanjaya attended to show support while delivering security messages to the congregation. Commissioner Yanuar expressed gratitude for the invitation extended to the Jombang Police.
During the occasion, the police representative conveyed several appeals ahead of the New Year. The public was urged not to light firecrackers and fireworks when celebrating the 2026 New Year. Additionally, he warned about the dangers of drug abuse that continue to threaten the younger generation.
Yanuar also highlighted the increasing cases of motor vehicle theft in the Jombang area.
“We urge the public to use double locks on their vehicles as a preventive measure,” Yanuar emphasized.
Gudo Police Chief First Inspector Rido Bergowo and Gudo Military District Commander Second Lieutenant Infantry Saroni conveyed similar messages. Both requested that the community maintain conducive conditions to create a safe, peaceful, and prosperous life.
Gudo Sub-district Head Arief Hidayat, SH., M.Si., expressed high appreciation for interfaith harmony in his area. According to him, Gudo Sub-district has diverse places of worship ranging from mosques, churches, to temples.
“Religious communities in Gudo have a high sense of tolerance. We are proud to be called a civil sub-district,” Arief stated while inviting the congregation and all community members to continue upholding the spirit of mutual respect among religious believers.
Pastor Timotius Andiek H., S.Th., as the service leader, expressed gratitude and thanks to the government and community who have created a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the GBIS Kristus Penolong congregation.
In his sermon, Pastor Andik—his familiar name—raised the theme “Jesus Christ Came as Light” taken from the Book of John 12:46. He conveyed that Jesus’ birth into the world aimed to illuminate and reign in every human heart.
“When Christ reigns in the human heart, peace will replace anxiety, joy will overcome bitterness, and thanksgiving will silence complaining,” Pastor Andiek explained before the congregation.
This year’s Christmas celebration was further enlivened by performances from Sunday school children presenting choreographed songs. Notably, the children wore traditional costumes from various regions of Indonesia such as Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, and Papua. Moreover, some children also wore traditional clothing from countries such as Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, and Greece.
The series of events concluded with a joint photo session and fellowship among congregants, security officers, government officials, and community leaders. The Christmas celebration at GBIS Kristus Penolong Blimbing once again proved that diversity can flourish harmoniously within a society that upholds tolerance.***
Lukius, Contributor of Jombang
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