A very busy day today incorporating the Gift Service when the boys and girls and some adults donated a new toy or gift to children in the community who otherwise may have a poor Christmas.

The church was presented with a knitted nativity scene which the children placed on the communion table.

The Christmas diorama scene changed with three of the wise men arriving at the oasis. We could also spot the bright star in the east which they had been following.

The readings and meditations looked at the meaning of many of our Christmas traditions and particularly thought about gifting. Many of our traditions have been introduced over the millennia, some as a response to the increasing concern about secularisation of the celebratory feast. It is said that Luther saw stars through the branches in the forest which reminded him that Jesus Christ was the light of the world. Candles were added to the evergreens. The angel at the top of the tree reminds us of the messenger who came to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds and the star reminds us of the star in the east. Exchanging gifts reminds us that God gifted his only son. The gifts brought my the wise men included Gold to signify the King,; Frankincense for the deity and Myrrh reminding us of the sacrifice to come.