  Kathryn Topham opens the event
Linda McDonald reads Genesis
Graham Astles calls for hush
Nick bowry leads prayer
Lyndsey 7th object - hay
David McGavin on piano
The audience
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| | | Girlguiding Christmas - 3 December 2019 |
Graham and Brownies play music
Click on the links to hear the carol singing and service
On
Monday 3rd December St. Mungo's played host to Penicuik and Midlothian
Girlguiding, Rangers, Brownies, Trefoil and Rainbows girls, parents and
friends, for their annual Christmas Service.
The church had
been decorated with lights and ribbon so looked very festive. St.
Mungo's minister, the Rev John Urquhart, with Rev Graham Astles from
the North Kirk, and Rev Nick Bowry from St. James the Less joined the
celebration.
This year Girlguiding were supporting those in
need at Christmas, with no food to feed themselves or their families.
They brought over 30 bags of food to donate to Food Facts Friends
foodbank, which operates out of St. Mungo's church hall every Monday
and Friday, North Kirk food store, and Sacred Heart foodbank
Division
Commissioner Kathryn Topham welcomed everyone and introduced the event,
with special guests, Girlguiding ambassadors Sir Robert and Lady Faye
Clerk, Gill Amos the County Commissioner, Margaret the County
President, and Midlothian Councillor and Midlothian councillor Debbie
McCall,
Kathryn introduced the theme 'Nine objects and
carols', a twist on the 'nine lessons and carols'. To get us started
David McGavin on piano led us into our first carol 'The Holly and the
Ivy'.
 The Rangers, Trefoil, and the three ministers were
lined up to help present the nine objects and explain their
meaning. First up was Kirsty, assisted with two Brownies. They
scattered the green leaves to remind us of the garden of Eden, of life
and everything good. but things went wrong in the garden, and sadness
entered the world.Linda McDonald read from Genesis, where the angel speaks to Abraham, telling him
his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky, and the
grains of sand on the seashore. Emma then asked some Rainbows to look
what was in the bowl on the table. Sand, lots of grains, and stars.
We
sang 'Twinkle Twinkle' before we looked at the fourth object,
headgear, which were handed out by the Rangers, some receiving
crowns. Kathryn told the story of king David, who was
promised that a king would come to reign forever. This was followed by
'Once in Royal David's City'.
Rev Graham Astles
asked how do you get the attention of a crowd above the noise when
everyone is speaking? If its a big crowd, waving hands, shouting
are unlikely to work. Playing a trumpet or instrument might. We heard
about prophets as God's messengers. How did they gain attention? They
had to speak loudly or play an instrument. Graham called out some
Brownies to help with a range of instruments he brought along. They all
made a big noise with all the instruments. This woke everyone up and
heard the prophets message that a saviour is coming, and the story of
Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Graham led into our next carol 'Little
Donkey'.
The Rev Nick Bowry quietened us down with a prayer,
asking us to be kind and help the poor and lonely, and to remember the
gift from God. The leaders came forward to continue the prayer.
 The
Rangers then walked among us blowing bubbles, representing the
mysterious visit of Gabriel to Mary. The story was told through our
next carol 'While Shepherds watch'.
Lyndsey and the guides introduced the seventh object the Hay. This leads into the carol 'Away in a Manger'.
Rev
John Urquhart introduced the eighth object, a small thimble. He poured a
jug of water into a bowl, and asked the girls if all the water would
fit in the tiny thimble? a resounding No was the reply. If he had more
water would it fit, John asked. No again was the reply. Its impossible.
You would need a miracle to be able to do it. But that is what happened
when God poured himself in to a small human being, the baby Jesus.
God who is bigger than the universe, became small enough to fit
inside a baby. That is the mystery, and meaning of Christmas.
Nick
Bowry returned, to say that Jesus is a gift that God sent us at
Christmas. We all give gifts at Christmas, hoping to receive some as
well. God does not expect a gift from us in return, His gift being
freely given. We sang about some kings that brought gifts 'We
three Kings'.
Finale
Kathryn closed the service after thanking all who
came for the service and took part and created this Christmas
service. David played us out to 'We wish you a Merry Christmas'
Published 9 December 2019
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