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Family Faith Formation Using Candy Canes and Graham Crackers

By Jamie Crawford, CommentaryJanuary 6, 2025

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Fort Stewart Religious Support Office hosted the Gingerbread Bash at Main Post Chapel. The program brought together 25 families and 80 participants for a spiritually enriching experience. Spanning generations, from toddlers to grandparents, the event emphasized the importance of family faith formation in an engaging and meaningful way.

The evening began with a communal dinner, fostering a spirit of togetherness. The festive setting, complete with holiday decorations and upbeat seasonal music, set a warm and welcoming tone. After dinner, families enjoyed lighthearted games like "Candy Cane Twirl" and "Decorate Your Parents' Face for Christmas," which encouraged laughter and friendly competition.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Stewart Garrison Chaplain, Lt. Col. John Hubbs hosted a storytelling session where he recounted the Christmas story. His narration captivated the audience and reminded them of the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The most fulfilling thing for me was to see families laughing and learning together,” remarked Hubbs. “The strength of our faith community is ultimately dependent upon committed and strong families. Seeing families from different congregations gathered together for the evening was pretty much a picture of what RSO is all about.”

Families then gathered around tables to build nativity scenes using graham crackers, candy, icing, and other materials. This interactive activity allowed them to creatively engage with the Christmas narrative, retelling the story to their parents or guardians to reinforce its significance. The evening concluded with a meaningful discussion on the symbolism of the candy cane. Each family received a candy cane and learned about its significance: the shape representing the shepherd's crook and “J” for Jesus, the red symbolizing Christ's blood, and the white signifying Jesus removing our sins. This explanation encapsulated the event's focus on faith and family.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Our mission at the Religious Support Office is to empower Soldiers and their Families through comprehensive faith formation and community connection,” said Jamie Crawford, director of religious education. “This event hit the mark. My hope is that these families walked away feeling more connected and equipped to teach faith and religion in a fun and creative way to their children at home.”

The Gingerbread Bash was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience that highlighted the power of tangible religious education as a family too deepen faith. The laughter, storytelling, and creative activities brought families closer, creating cherished memories for years to come. In a world where families face numerous distractions, the Gingerbread Bash served as a vital reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate faith and support one another. The event's success reflects the dedication of the chapel staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to craft a meaningful and enjoyable evening for all participants.

To learn more about the Religious Support Office at Fort Stewart, visit https://home.army.mil/stewart/about/Garrison/garrison-staff-offices/chaplain.