Christmas Service 2020

20 December was the date chosen for the Alderton Christmas service, the day before our traditional tree dressing. The village children had not been able to take part in any of their normal school plays that usually happen at this time of year, so we decided that we would make a little more of our service, and add a procession to church. This would happen outside, and be less of a risk to anyone’s health, than having a play inside the church. The organisation required for such a short and small part of the service was huge, and it took ages to work out how to keep everyone safe outside, and then get the congregation into church, having gelled all the hands and tracked and traced, spaced and seated everybody. But the excitement and magic created by this simple addition to what is one of the loveliest of services helped to create a beautiful experience, and a wonderful start to Christmas.

For days before 20 December, we prepared – the church was cleaned and disinfected with the help of Julie, the fantastic nativity scene that we are lucky enough to have was put on display by Daryl and Bob, who were major contributors to its existence. The Christmas tree went up thanks to help from Linda, who doubled up with track and trace and hand gel and all the special carol sheets needed for outside carol singing. The greenery in the church was thanks to Doreen, who used her skill as a florist. Richard brought a borrowed candelabra from Milton and Peter brought Christingles and candles for everyone in the service to light at the appropriate time. We had five readers, telling the wonderful story of hope – something we all need at the moment, perhaps more than any Christmas in the generations since the Second World War. The procession gathered at The Old Barn and an angel led it along the road and into church; she laid the star she was carrying against the font, a symbol of hope and rebirth. It was truly a beautiful service. Prior to the service, the congregation had gathered outside to sing two carols, and after the service, another two carols were sung outside. We then had a suitably distanced visit from Father Christmas who issued presents to the children and wished everybody a Merry Christmas.