Hope - the beginning of Advent

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, a Christian season of preparation for Christmas. Traditionally candles are lit on each of the four Sundays (remember the Blue Peter Advent wreath?) - the first representing Hope.

The Christmas Tree Festival came to an end today with our Advent service. It has been a very successful event with over 3500 votes cast for the favourite trees. That means at least 3500 visitors.

This was the winner in the adult category. MacSnowman' Christmas by the Caledonian Society.

This was the winner in the young people's category. Cupcakes by the local gym club.

My personal favourite was this rainforest tree!

Here is a view of the young people's trees.

Of course, the real meaning of Christmas is the Nativity and the Hope that that represents. On the day when Gary Speed obviously felt that all hope had gone let us try to bring hope to the people we know who may be struggling.