THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT - BEING CREATIVE

We had a Creative Christmas Celebration at Church this morning, when we were asked to participate in one or more of the activities on arrival after which we joined together to sing some Christmas songs and to think about what it means for Jesus to have come to us at Christmas.

There were cardboard boxes and seasonal tinsel ready to be put together as a den for the homeless and those participating were asked to think about how it felt to be living outside in the cold and damp and in a box at Christmas.  Frank was the first one to get in the shelter and try it out.

Barry had sawn up some logs and made legs, ready for them to be assembled to make a stool - Mr. HCB was happy to oblige as the model for this shot.  Those making the stools were asked to think about what Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, who was a carpenter, was going through as the birth of Jesus was imminent.

One table had lots of sand, glue and glitter and several people made nightlight holders and decorated them, chatting whilst doing it about the light of Jesus shining out of our homes and out of us as we live our lives in the world.

Nathan and several others were busy making Christingles, where each piece has special symbolism - the orange, red ribbon, sweets, dried fruit and of course, the candle in the middle, which again represents Jesus being the light of the world.  There was lots of chatting on this table as people made their Christingles, which they were encouraged to take home afterwards.

I sat at the Prayer Board table where we were encouraged to make a gift box, write a prayer to go inside and attach it to the Prayer Board.  I was glad that Stephen was there to help me, as origami is not my forte, and it was good to be able to chat to him whilst making the box and chatting about what we were praying for this Christmas.

In the very middle of the hall was a “Whopping Wreath” and it was very big.  One side was beautifully decorated symbolising the glory of heaven and the fact that Jesus had left this to come and live on earth as a homeless person - I took a shot through the wreath of Stephen and Rachel playing.  The other side of the wreath had lots of articles about the homeless pinned onto it, not only in our country, but also about refugees all over the world and again, we were all encouraged to think about how we would feel to be in their position.

The card in the middle was the front of one that was delivered to every home on the Lawn estate, inviting people to come to the service.  Sadly not many visitors turned up but all those who were there enjoyed the morning’s creativity and the seasonal refreshments afterwards.

Thank you to all those who arranged this wonderful service and to all who took part - may we all remember that

JESUS is the reason for the season.