On Friday, 15 December 2023, the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) held a hybrid Christmas event at the LAI Bible and Printing Centre in Nanggewer. The event was attended by LAI employees and LAI partners who faithfully serve together. In-person and Zoom Meetings are held on the second advent week of the Church calendar, which marks the period of preparation for Christmas.

The season of Advent, which lasts four weeks, is the spiritual foundation of this event. The lighting of candles each week in December symbolises hope, peace, joy, and love. The candles are lit as a sign of waiting for the coming of Christ.

The Christmas Word service was given by Rev. Dr Henriette Tabitha Hutabarat-Lebang, who took the Word of God from the Gospel of Luke 2:8-14. In her sermon, Pastor Henriette emphasised the meaning of peace in the context of the greeting of Shalom. She challenged the audience to reflect on whether the peace that is spoken daily is also reflected in their hearts.

Pastor Henriette discussed the impact of the word "Shalom" in Palestine, where it is often said before an attack occurs. The fundamental question was asked, is that the kind of peace God wants? This Christmas event was a time of collective reflection to see if peace is truly present in the hearts of the members of this Christian Institution.

In relation to the ministry at LAI, Pastor Henriette encouraged the audience to assess whether their hearts were at peace or weighed down by turmoil. She highlighted the importance of realising that every LAI employee is used by God for a good purpose, not just as a place of employment, but as a tool to bring signs of God's kingdom into the world.

This Christmas event was a deep and meaningful moment for all participants, both those who attended in person and through Zoom Meeting. The spirit of peace in preparation for Christmas was strong, reminding us of the true meaning of Shalom, which should be present not only on our lips, but also in our hearts and daily actions.