Image shows Dal Pinder (artist who created Nativity) with Hannah Chowdhry and Leah Chowdhry, also Magdalene Williams with Naomi Chowdhry
Children from across the deprived ward of Clementswood ward in Ilford participated in a peace art project focused on building community cohesion and sharing the true message of Christmas.
The art event saw the children getting creative with recycling, using old boxes and packaging and transforming them into a nativity scene. They made the three wise men, a shepherd, mother Mary, Joseph and of course, baby Jesus. Children learnt about the miracles and prophecies that foretold the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Messiah and Saviour of the world, and they learnt about the message of salvation, hope, peace and love that the ministry of Jesus brought for all the world.
The nativity is now displayed in the window of the British Pakistani Christian Association at 57 Green Lane, Ilford, and has been described as a ‘great gift to the community’ by local pastor Bryon Jones of Eden Christian Centre.
Magdalene Williams, Chairperson for Palm Tree Pentecostal Church said:
“The reason for the season is Jesus and we put this project together to restore a lost local heritage – we did not want Santa hijacking our Christmas this year!”
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the BPCA, said:
“Our nativity display has received many positive comments from local people of all faiths. Cars are noticeably slowing to take a closer peek and crowds of children were mesmerised before our window this morning as they walked to the two local primary schools.”
He added:
“For too long churches and Christian institutions have ignored this long-standing Christian tradition, in fear of vandals and over zealous bureaucrats and their political correctness. We have taken a bold step this year and hope that it will revive and invigorate others in reclaiming Christmas for Christ and sharing a message of hope and love for others in their local area”.
Our nativity scene is the only public nativity scene in Ilford.
