Today we remember John the Baptist who proclaimed the coming of the Saviour. CAROLS IN THE PUB
Black Swan, Fearby – Monday 17th December at 7.30 p.m.
God our Father, you gave to Zechariah and Elisabeth in their old The Bruce Arms, West Tanfield at 7.45 p.m.
age We will sing some well known and popular carols,
a son called John. He grew up strong in spirit, prepared the people there will be a couple of readings and a short prayer.
for the coming of the Lord, and baptised them in the Jordan to All are welcome to join us.
wash away their sins. Help us, who have been baptised into Christ,
to be ready to welcome him into our hearts, and to grow strong in MASHAM SHEEP FAIR – help is needed with organising the stewards for the Flower Festival
faith by the power of the Spirit. in the church. Becky Foster leads on this but would welcome assistance – if you are able to
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Light who is coming into the help or would like more information please speak to Becky or the Vicar. Half of the proceeds
world. from the Flower Festival goes to the church, the other half to the Sheep Fair. Normally we have
about 1,000 visitors over the weekend so it is essential that the event is stewarded.
All: Lord Jesus, Light of the world,
John told the people to prepare, PHILIPPIANS 4: 4-7
for you were very near. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to every-
As Christmas grows closer day by day, one. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplica -
help us to be ready to welcome you now. Amen. tion with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
TEA AND CAROLS
St. Paul’s Church, Healey LUKE 3: 7-18
Sunday 23rd December 4.00 p.m. John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned
Join us for afternoon tea and carols and help to decorate the church for Christmas you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to
Craft activities for children yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to
All welcome raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree there-
fore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
CHRISTINGLE And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has
One of the enjoyable festivals of Christmas is the Christingle Service which is held in churches two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even
and schools, often to raise money for the Children’s Society. A Christingle is an orange that is a tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said
symbol of the world, with a hole cut in the top, into which a candle is placed, to represent Jesus to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And
bringing light into the world. Four sticks are stuck into the orange representing the four seasons we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false
(or possibly that the light of Jesus shines in all directions). Impaled on the sticks are sweets and accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’
fruits – a reminder of the fruits of the earth – or the good things that are ours through knowing As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning
Jesus. A red ribbon is tied around the orange representing the blood of Jesus shed for the world. John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you
Christingle Services with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong
Christmas Eve of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his
4.00 p.m. St. Mary’s, Masham hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will
4.00 p.m. St. Mary’s, North Stainley burn with unquenchable fire.’
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
CHRISTINGLE WORKING PARTY
Help is needed please to make the Christingles.