After 3 years of being forced to hold Christmas under a variety of restrictions it was with joy that we came together in different ways and for different services to celebrate the birth of our Lord. It began with the Advent Carol Service where we sang Advent songs and considered the seven scriptural Antiphons which describe seven names of Jesus: Wisdom, Adonai, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dawn of the East, King of the Nations and Emmanuel.
This was followed four weeks later by the CHristmas Carol Service which saw an absolute packed church with people coming from all the Haddington churches and none. We sang and listened to the story of Jesus’ birth and members from the different churches read beautifully the Scripture and Meditations. Siancio Singers sang for us a Mexican Carol and St Mary’s Parish Choir sang about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary. Holy Trinity Singing Group opened proceedings by singing Britten’s Wolcum as the hand held candles were lit in the church.
On Christmas Eve the Crib Service was full to the hilt – with the youngsters from the congregation dressing up as the characters in the Nativity Story as it was told for the young and young at heart. Mary and Joseph held a three week old Jesus… and the shetland ponies were suitably dressed with tinsel and lights. The children all received Christingles and a very happy half hour was enjoyed by all.
Midnight on Christmas Eve saw a beautiful service as we welcomed in the special day. And on Christmas Day families and members of the church came to celebrate with us. The sermon slot was taken up with playing Pass the Parcel which also told of God’s surprises. The smiles on everyone’s face told their own story – of joy, peace and blessings. Happy Christmas, everyone!
