Seamer All-Age Nativity

On Sunday 12 December as the light was beginning to fade I was guided by a star to Seamer Methodist Chapel. I wasn't the only one who had been drawn to that place; there was Mary, Joseph, an angel and a crowd of all ages. We waited with great anticipation for the Christmas tree lights to be put on before everyone joined in with singing Christmas carols.

The journey wasn't over because we were invited inside for more carols and treats. The advent candles were lit and we sang again. My favourite part was the story of the snow bear. Then Lisa told us about how she had made Christmas stockings and filled them with presents to give to someone each year. She had one of her Christmas stockings with her and chose someone in the congregation to give the stocking to. The only conditions were that they weren't to open the stocking until Christmas Day and next year they had to fill the stocking up and give it to someone else. They in turn had to fill up the stocking and give it to someone else. Lisa told us that this was her tenth Christmas stocking and the one of her stockings had ended up in Australia! What a great idea! Presents were very much the theme because over mince pies, biscuits and drinks, all the children were given a present (and the adults were too!).

But it wasn't just about receiving; while we were singing 'In the bleak mid-winter' we were invited to think about what we would give to Jesus. I decided to give a sweet I had been given at least until I can think of a better idea.