Christingle Sucess

This afternoon at 4pm we put on our parish Christingle crib service. We have been practicing this and today the moment came. The Church was full to bursting with young families with kids of all ages and the young at heart. Every thing went very well and I think was well received. The service began with two Roman soldiers attempting to hold a census, Gluteous Maximus and Gratuitous Ugliness. Then a young newly wed couple arrived and asked for lodgings, which of course there were none. Our priest played the part of the Inn Keeper and did a very good job beating off the Inn Keeper's Wife insistence that he should give the couple a room. Eventually they were allowed to stay in the cattle shed (vestry) which was declared as not fit for animals! We also had children tending large cardboard sheep who were disturbed by the sudden appearance of an Angel who proclaimed the birth of a special baby.
We actually held a census and had two young volunteers helping to count heads. Literally people were counted by the Romans. As this took place Joseph suddenly raced into the church ashen faced asking for towels and disrupting the counting. Four times he dashed in each time more frantic and manic than the last causing hoots of laughter from the congregation. The census naturally failed in the face of this event - a baby had been born.
This was the moment when in a hushed church Mary brought in the baby Jesus and laid him in a crib. The crib was put before a Nativity scene made with twelve inch models, essentially framing the moment. Result.
Part of the service was dedicated to Christingles and a load were handed out in exchange for donations to the work of the Children's society. A fair bit was raised which will do a lot of good. So we all had fun, taught the Nativity story once again and raised funds for a charity. I would call that a success.

Peace Dave.