During our advent services, Keith continued his exposition of letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2) with addresses on the churches in Thyatira and Sardis. Gill organised our advent liturgy with families lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Christ.
Our afternoon Christingle service was well attended and it was lovely singing our final carol by candle light. In case you're wondering, a Christingle represents various parts of the Christian story:
- orange - the world
- cocktail sticks - the 4 gospels or the 4 points of the compass
- sweets/fruit - the good things that the earth provides
- red ribbon - reminds us that Jesus died for all of us so that we might be forgiven for all that we do wrong
- candle - Jesus, God on earth, who spread God's light and love wherever he went.
The singing group sang "The twelve days of Christmas" and "Mary's boy child". Keith enlightened us of the Christian meaning of the former:
- A partridge in a pear tree - Jesus on the cross.
- Two turtle doves - Old and new testaments of the bible.
- Three french hens - several interpretations: the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit), Gold, Frankincese, and Myrrh given by the wise men (Matt. 2:10-11), the three Christ virtues, Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Cor. 3-13).
- Four calling birds - the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Five gold rings - the first five books of the Old Testament, the "Law of Moses" or the Pentateuch.
- Six geese a-laying - the six days of creation (Gen. 1:31-2::2).
- Seven swans a-swimming - two interpretations: the seven stars of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), seven gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in Romans 12:6-8 - Prophesy, Service, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leading, Showing Mercy.
- Eight maids a-milking - the eight "beatitudes" or blessings listed in Matthew 5:3-10.
- Nine ladies dancing - the nine "fruits of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22-23 - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.
- Ten Lord's a-leaping - the Ten Commandments (Ex.20:3-17).
- Eleven pipers' piping - the eleven original apostles (Acts 1:13).
- Twelve drummes drumming - The Apostles' Creed:
I believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day he rose from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
He shall return to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic (universal) Church, the communiion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.
On Christmas morning Gill showed us the actions, which was great fun for most of us. Unfortunately, Elaine took a tumble and ended up with a hairline fracture of her collar bone and whiplash leading to a Christmas in bed. We ask God to bless her and David and pray for a speedy recovery.
We were really pleased to see the church full of visitors for our carol service on Christmas Eve. We hope that those who came will join us again soon.
We wish you all, the hope, peace, joy and light of Jesus's love in your lives, not just at Christmas, but throughout the coming year - God's gift to all people from all nations.