In the heart of Bradford, the Grace Urdu Hindi Church brought communities together for a vibrant multilingual Christmas service, delivering a message of peace, unity, and hope during the festive season. Held on Saturday 21 December, at the Beacon Community Church, the event featured a nativity play and carols performed in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, highlighting the rich cultural diversity within the city.
Nathan Javed, the leader of Grace Urdu Hindi Church, expressed the importance of the annual event, which aims to foster understanding and connection across different faiths and cultural backgrounds. The church, part of the Baptist denomination, will soon mark its third anniversary in February.
Reflecting on the success of the service, Reverend Javed said, “It’s not an easy thing, but we are so grateful that this is joining the hearts together – people from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh communities and Asian Christians. When they come here together, we’re all one.”
The service, rich with symbolism and spirit, showcased the nativity story in multiple languages, a feat that required careful coordination and translation.
Reverend Javed, who speaks both Urdu and English fluently, took on the challenging task of ensuring the message resonated across linguistic barriers. “It’s not easy translating from one language to the other, but we manage to do so, and we’re grateful to God that he’s made it possible that I’m able to speak both languages and relate to people with different languages,” he said.
The church leader and Reverend emphasised that the core message of the Christmas
service was peace and unity, values deeply rooted in the meaning of Christmas itself. “There is nothing better than saying we are bringing peace to the community and one another,” Reverend Javed shared. “Jesus came to help us bring peace to one another. That’s the whole message of Christmas.”
The service was attended by individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive spirit the Grace Urdu Hindi Church is known for. Over the years, the church has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between communities, using faith and shared celebrations to strengthen ties in Bradford’s multicultural landscape.
Local leaders and community members praised the initiative for fostering dialogue and creating a welcoming space during a season that can often feel divided by different traditions.
Javed Bashir, who belongs to the Muslim faith, attended the service he said: “I attended this service last year it’s lovely to witness the unity of the faith community in Bradford and wider. Nathan is doing a great job and it’s nice to be invited and included in the festive service”
The nativity service stood as a testament to the power of unity and the role faith can play in building connections beyond religious and cultural lines.
“It’s beautiful to see how this church creates a platform where people from different walks of life come together in celebration,” said one attendee. “During times like Christmas, it’s a reminder that peace and goodwill are universal.”
As Grace Urdu Hindi Church approaches its third anniversary, Reverend Javed remains committed to expanding the church’s reach and continuing its mission of inclusivity. “We believe that by opening our doors to everyone and sharing our traditions, we can inspire a sense of togetherness and mutual respect,” he said.
In a world often marked by division, the multilingual Christmas service in Bradford served as a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite humanity. The echoes of carols sung in four languages filled the hall, leaving behind a message that transcended words – a call for peace, love, and unity, not just during Christmas, but throughout the year.
