We had not one but two special visitors from the North Pole join us for our very special Christmas by Candlelight. Father Christmas and one of his Elves took some time out of their very busy schedule to join us this morning. They were very tired and actually fell asleep in the hall and so the children had to wake them when they came in for worship. They sang a verse of Away in the Manger which seemed to do the trick.

Father Christmas had brought presents with him for all the children in school which he handed out before he left.

We also lit the Christingle candles and every child will be bringing one home today. 

Each element of a Christingle has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story:

• The orange represents the world
• The red ribbon (or tape) symbolises the love and blood of Christ
• The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations
• The lit candle represents Jesus’s light in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness.

Why not light your Christingle candle on Christmas morning to remind you of the hope that the birth of Jesus brings? 

We have counted up the change collected in the Christingle candle boxes and would like to thank you all as we are able to send over £370 to The Children's Society to help them with their work.

There are more pictures of this morning's worship here