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Getting ready


Excitement grows as we start


Mums and dads look down on the nativity

From both sides of the gallery

Bright star as painted by the Brownies

Toys donated for ....

supported by Radio Forth

Girlguiding Christmas - 1 December 2015


The Penicuik and Midlothian girlguiding girls, parents and friends, filled St. Mungo's on Tuesday 1st of December for their annual Christmas Service. The church had been decorated with holly and ribbon so looked very festive. Our minister the Rev Hugh Davidson opened the service.

The nativity had a modern twist, and the guides were sponsoring 'Mission Christmas' a Cash for Kids initiative supported by Radio Forth. All the families were asked to bring toys for presents.

It is always good to start with a Christmas Carol to get into the spirit of the service. Graham McDonald led 'The 12 Days of Christmas' on the piano. Each section of the congregation had a line to sing, and everyone was involved by time we had all 12 verses to sing.

The nativity story was begun using a question and answer narration, starting with what Christmas means to you, and the name of a very special boy? We were told the story of Jesus and how it is told around the world, celebrated in many different ways.

The Guides telling of the story featured our Mary busy cleaning her house (dusting the church grand piano as it happened) when approached by the angel Gabriel, who told her she was to bear the son of God. She was not to worry about Joseph, as Gabriel would have a 'man to man' chat with him down at the rugby practice!

The story continued as they made their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Singing 'Little Donkey' was very appropriate. The Inn keeper offered the 'smelly' barn and Mary and Joseph settled down.

The shepherds were then visited by the angels and headed to Bethlehem while we sang 'Away in a Manger'.   Our wise men were featured as celebrities on a treasure hunt journey, following a star, collecting rather unusual gifts. Their mission was to find the newborn king. They tried the palace but no baby there. An email then appeared on their iPad stating 'You must follow the star'. Looking up they saw the bright star, which they followed and offered their gifts to the new born king, Jesus.

We sang the 'Calypso Carol', before Hugh concluded with a prayer and a blessing.

But all was not finished. We welcomed a new visitor, Tam the donkey, who was brought into the church. The children's faces were a picture to see and Tam had a good look round too.  During Tam's visit we sang  'Silent Night'. followed by 'We wish you a Merry Christmas', after which Tam said his goodbye and the service closed.

One of the most unusual telling of the story I have seen, and a real live donkey in the church is definitely a first. 

After the service the collection of toys donated for Mission Christmas was impressive.


Penicuik: St. Mungo's Parish Church (Church of Scotland). Scottish Charity No SC005838