21st December 2025
By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 3 January 2026
Hello everyone,
It is a great joy to reflect on the fact that I have spoken to over 1000 children from five different schools over the last two weeks. At one school I saw the Christmas story acted out with a wonderful Nativity Play that told how Jesus came for us all, and in another school I led a service of readings, carols and Christingles, although for understandable health and safety reasons mine was the only Christingle that was lit! In all the different settings, from three year olds to secondary school, I have tried to point the children to Jesus, the reason for the season and the light of the world. It is so important that we celebrate Christmas in church, because there are always more visitors at this time of year, and it is great to be able to welcome them in and point them to Jesus. Hopefully among our Christmas services there is something for everyone, so do do look through the details below, plan when you will be coming to church and think who you could invite along.
Parents of children in the Nativity don’t forget the dress rehearsal on Saturday morning from 10am.
Sunday 21st December
10.30am – Nativity: after all the rehearsals this is the performance we have been waiting for. Do come along with family and friends to share the children’s excitement as they act out the Christmas story along with songs they have learnt for the occasion. The service will be available on YouTube for those who can’t be there, but you really need to be there for the full experience! The link is here:
https://youtube.com/live/wyYPkszVRzM?feature=share
6pm – Carols by Candlelight: the church lit by candles, the familiar words of carols and the Christmas story, what could be more Christmassy? This will be followed by Mince Pies, Shortbread and Mulled Wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Christmas Eve
4.30pm – Christingle: always a joyful occasion with a full church, lots of meaningful oranges (kindly donated by Tesco), and “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles, which we will be lighting, trusting that parents will be able to supervise their children. There will be a collection in this service for our Charity of the Week The Children’s Society so do come prepared with cash or card to donate, more details below.
11.15pm – Midnight Communion: the traditional way to begin Christmas, with carols, communion and an inspiring message.
Christmas Day
10am – All Age Communion at St Columba’s: an opportunity for the church family to come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, with carols, communion and news of presents…
11am Holy Communion at Rockingham: a more traditional Christmas morning service with carols.
Sunday 28th December
NO SERVICE AT ROCKINGHAM TODAY
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – I am always pleasantly surprised how many people turn up for our Sunday after Christmas service, so don’t miss out. There will be no ENERGIZE groups but children are still welcome to join us.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society work in the UK to provide support that’s specific to every child, and they challenge the government to deliver policies that will protect children. A future of hope and happiness belongs to every child, and our donations, collected at our Christingle service and also through the year with the Collection Boxes some people still use, might pay for:
- art supplies for a young person who is feeling low, giving them a creative outlet and a way to express what they’re feeling
- intensive cognitive behaviour therapy sessions with a trained practitioner
- vital hygiene and health kits for young people living in poverty or unsafe housing
- regular check-ins between a project worker and children who are depressed.
Miriam joins me in sending our very best wishes that you may know the blessing of Emmanuel – God with us this Christmas.
Ian