Carol Service Review

Last weekend, we celebrated Christmas at theBarn with our annual carol service extravaganza, featuring the usual mix of carols, songs, dramas, videos and readings. The choir sang 'Mary, Did You Know?' The kids sang 'Emmanuel' by Michael W Smith. Joni Roberts sang 'Silent Night' beside the manger. Other highlights included a drama imagining what the birth of Jesus might look like today, Chris Hackwood's monologue which told the story in contemporary language, and Darren's fun and fascinating feature, that began with Christmas Google searches, and included references to such things as electric bills, wedding dresses, royal transportation and CS Lewis' statement that, “Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world”.

Throughout the evening, the theme of Emmanuel, God is with us, was unfolded, culminating in a message entitled, God with You: That Christianity is the only religion in which God Himself has personally come to us ... That God's intent has always been that we should live life with Him close at hand and that He has offered to be with us, always ... That we have, with us, at all times, all the attributes of the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Our wonderful band wrapped up with Martin Smith's stirring song, Emmanuel.

We are tremendously grateful to everyone whose contributions made our two carol services special. It is great to see such a diversity of talent on show and to remember the Christmas story in such a memorable way. Thank you, everyone!