What a great time was had by all yesterday in St John’s! The church was almost completely full as people of all ages came to join in our annual Christingle service.

A big “Thank you!” to James Greig for leading the service and to Kate Mezger for explaining the Christingle’s meaning. It was great to be reminded of our key verse for Advent 2024—that Jesus is indeed the ‘Light of the World’ (John 8:12)!

For a few moments we were able to turn the lights down, enjoy the lighted Christingles and sing the great words of ‘Hark the herald angels sing’, proclaiming Jesus as indeed our ‘Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings’.

It was also SO good to be joined by families from Itchen Abbas Primary School who
came to hear their children’s rousing performance of ‘O Holy Night’ with its great
words:
A thrill of hope—for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O night when Christ was born!

If you would like the opportunity to hear some more Christmas Songs from the children you are invited to the playground at 3pm today (Monday 16 December) to hear them sing, they will be raising money for new playground equipment.

A big “Thank you!” too to Sarah Hunt, Joan Dartnell and Beccy Clark who prepared the Christingle materials and to all the others who, in different ways, helped to create such a wonderful atmosphere for us all to enjoy.