fourth Sunday in Advent morning service drew in an extraordinarily large congregation. It was terrific to see so many families present. The youngsters of our Sunday school, with some adult support in the guise of one of the three kings, told the nativity story with a delightful simplicity. It was a joy to be part of the morning.

The story was told around an original verse composed by our very own David Wilkinson, ‘Jesus, shine your light’.

Jesus, shine your light;

Your glory to behold.

The Nativity story we retell is from your book of gold .

Jesus, shine your light;

let it illuminate the way

and thank you for your earthly presence and for Christmas day.

Jesus shine your light

over shepherds seated on the ground.

Suddenly in the darkened sky, angelic glory shone around.

Jesus shine your light,

let is set the world on fire.

Laid in a manger snug and warm the long awaited Messiah.

Jesus shine your light.

Magi came travelling from afar

guided by your beckoning Light,

guided by your star.

Jesus shine your light on the gifts the wise men bring;

gold and myrrh and frankincense they place before a king.

Jesus shine your light for all eternity.

From humble beginnings your journey began to a cross on Calvary.

Jesus shine your light;

in it let us delight

and keep us always your vision:

always in your sight.

Jesus shine your light.

Let us all rejoice.

Singing hymns and Christmas carols in a praising voice.

Jesus shine your light here at Fleetwood URC.

In this tiny corner of your kingdom we are

your family.

© David Wilkinson 2010

The following insert was read by Nicole:

CANDLES

Candles flicker in the stable,

burn the darkness fro the night.

Dance with us around the Christ-child,

veiled in brightness, swathed in light.

And, Imogen sang for us, ‘Mary had a baby’.

The cast list was: Caitlin (Mary), Nathan (Joseph), Imogen (Angel), Nicole (Angel), Charlotte (Angel), William (Shepherd with a very lively lamb), Jacob (Shepherd), Ben (Wise Man), Robert (Wise Man), and Sandra (as mentioned above in disguise as a Wise Man!) (Jasmine had gone down poorly and was missing.) The youngsters were trained by Denise Berry, Joanne Leadbetter, Sandra Davies and Karen Kennedy. Music was provided by John Gibson.

The youngsters withdrew and they had a visit from Father Christmas! They all received a present. The youngsters returned at the close of the service to distribute Christmas cards to all in the congregation.