On Sunday 5th December, BIG church hosted a community Crib Service, inviting young people from around the entire benefice to join us for the chance to hear the wonderful news of the greatest Christmas present of all.
The story was told in stages, with Christmas carols and songs providing musical interludes. Children from Ashleworth CofE school provided many of the readers, with support from pupils attending Hartpury, Staunton and Corse, and Eldersfield Lawn CofE schools. Children and families from the Little Footprints ‘Mums and Toddlers’ group contributed with a very special rendition of ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’, with suitable amounts of tinsel and bling!
The pews were full, and more than 80 people, of all ages, listened as the story unfolded. Mary and Joseph made the long journey (around the church) to a stable in Bethlehem, and the shepherds watched in awe as an Angel appeared on a platform above the nave, illuminated by a bright light! The 2 Kings (government cut-backs) travelled from the East, guided by a star, to complete the Nativity tableau, much to the delight of the parents and families watching intently from around the church.
The closing prayer reminded us that shepherds and Kings made long journeys to see the baby born in the lowly stable, and that we are all welcome to make our own journey to the Crib:
‘Whether we are young or old, rich or poor, sick or well, we are all invited to see and know Jesus’
