4TH SUNDAY IN ADVENT - THE NATIVITY

Today at Church, the 4th Sunday in Advent, we watched the Nativity presented by the children and it’s true to say that for Debs, Lynsey and I, as well, I’m sure, for many others, it brought tears to our eyes.  Somehow the Christmas story told through the eyes of children has such a special meaning.  They all did very well, so congratulations to all the children and their teachers for all the hard work put in over the past few weeks.  The readings were good, the songs excellent and the congregation sang well too - and by the looks on their faces, they all enjoyed watching the children.

There was a part in the service for the teenagers too, which was great, as they often get forgotten when the young ones are doing their Nativity play - and it was good to see them taking part in the service, under the leadership of Jake.

Sadly, several children were ill, so when we walked in, we were invited to be sheep, as there were, apparently, four sheep missing today.  Mr. HCB and I declined - my excuse was that I was singing - not sure what Mr. HCB’s excuse was, but he managed to wriggle out of it - although Jenny did say that she was sure he would be able to baaaaaa very well!

I thought it was rather strange that the parable of The Sower was read by Grace at the beginning of the service, but all was revealed later.  Tina explained that although it was unusual to have what is commonly thought to be a “Harvest” reading, it was very relevant to what happens at Christmas - and the more she spoke, we realised that she was quite right.  Many people just use Christmas as a time to spend, spend, spend, without any thought of what it’s all about, but we will all get more out of Christmas if we remember and acknowledge that it is about Jesus, who came as a baby, who lived his life going about doing good and performing miracles, until he was crucified on the cross for us.  

Sitting at the front of the Church, something else that caused me to feel a little teary was when several of the Mums and Grandmothers brought their children to look at the decorated Christmas tree - seeing the wonder in the children’s eyes was so lovely.  Oh that we would all feel that wonder in the next few days as we gaze at our Christmas trees, as they bring light into our homes and our Nativity scenes as we remember the way Jesus was born and all that happened at that first Christmas.

I looked around before the service, to find more of the beautiful Christmas banners, and these two caught my eye - so much work goes into them and it is a joy to see them in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.  After the service we were invited to share in coffee and mince pies and to mingle and a good time it was too.  

I have put an extra in of Mr. HCB’s Mother, whose birthday is today - I love the quote surrounding Joan, as she was known, which says “Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.”  Joan was known as a lovely lady who had a deep and strong faith, who was always helping others, and was contented with her lot, despite many difficulties with her health in her latter years.  A wonderful wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, who is still sadly missed, despite having died in 1996, but who has left a lasting legacy for us all - we love and miss you, Mum, especially on your birthday.

"Who can add to Christmas? 
The perfect motive is that God 
     so loved the world. 
The perfect gift is that 
     He gave His only Son. 
The only requirement is 
     to believe in Him. 
The reward of faith 
     is that you shall have 
          everlasting life."
Corrie Ten Boom