Sunday evening brought a different atmosphere to worship in the form of Carols by Candlelight. The theme again featured GIFTS.

Using lamps fitted to the music stands the Band started the evening with the beautiful German Carol ‘Stille, Stille, Stille’ which was followed by a carol for everyone, ‘Come, thou long expected Jesus’.

The Young People’s Band brought ‘Christmas Reflections’ and scripture was read from Luke 2:1-20.

‘O little town of Bethlehem’, sung by everyone, led to the Songsters contribution (‘Ukranian Bell Carol’ and ‘Come on, ring those bells’) and further scripture from Matthew 2:1-12. Major Nigel Schultz used a number of the children to help him illustrate the theme of ‘Gifts’ which has been used throughout the Christmas season, declaring that the greatest gift of all is that of Jesus, given by God to be the saviour of the world.

Following a hearty rendition of ‘Hark, the herald angels sing’ the Band brought ‘A Christmas Festival’ and the Singing Company excelled yet again with ‘This is the time and the Season’. ‘You’d better watch out!!’ from the Band welcomed Santa to the platform and further fun was had with the children including an impromptu solo (or was it a duet?) in ‘Away in a manger’.

 

 

Following the carol ‘The first Nowell’ a modern day nativity scene was created using Vanessa, Ryan and Joel as Major Nigel gave his short Christmas message.

The evening concluded with ‘O come, all ye faithful’.