Christmas in context

Today has been a really lovely day. It started with a great Nativity play put on by our Sunday school which was very well performed, and had the addition of an hilarious argument over which of two Wise Men (incidentally there did seem to be 4 of them) got to wear which crown, with the oldest of them (brother to the ones with crown issues) trying to keep them in order. Very sweet indeed.

After church we had a Youth Fellowship lunch, and I'm not quite sure but some how I got an invite, so had lovely food and great company, and some entertaining Secret Santa present stealing (such were the rules of the game), and a chance to rewatch the first Narnia film.

Our evening service this evening was carols by candlelight, with communion during the service, which is a wonderful way to put Christmas in context. The church was looking lovely, and the various readings and songs chosen were great. We sang this song by Stuart Townend, which explains the whole thing far more eloquently than I could (here it is on YouTube if you want to listen):

From the squalor of a borrowed stable,
by the Spirit and a virgin's faith;
to the anguish and the shame of scandal
came the Saviour of the human race!
But the skies were filled with the praise of heav'n,
shepherds listen as the angels tell of the Gift of God
come down to man at the dawning of Immanuel

King of heaven now the Friend of sinners,
Humble servant in the Father's hands,
Filled with power and the Holy Spirit,
Filled with mercy for the broken man
Yes. He walked my road and He felt my pain,
Joys and sorrows that I know so well;
Yet His righteous steps give me hope again -
I will follow my Immanuel!

Through the kisses of a friend's betrayal,
He was lifted on a cruel cross;
He was punished for the world's transgressions,
He was suffering to save the lost
He fights for breath, He fights for me
Loosing sinners from the claims of hell;
And with a shout our souls are free -
Death defeated by Immanuel!

Now He's standing in the place of honour,
Crowned with glory on the highest throne,
Interceding for His own beloved
Till His Father calls us to bring him home!
Then the skies will part as the trumpet sounds
Hope of heaven or the fear of hell;
But the Bride will run to her Lover's arms,
Giving glory to Immanuel!