Worshippers from churches on the Isle of Wight are preparing the share the joy of Advent and Christmas.
Parishes are hosting a variety of special events, including candlelit carol services, live version of the Nativity story with real animals, Christmas tree festivals with dozens of decorated trees, and drama spectaculars that aim to tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
More than 5,000 visitors are expected at the annual Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, which takes place from 4th – 7th December in venues across Brighstone and Mottistone on the Isle of Wight.
Around 150 beautifully-decorated Christmas trees will be on display, lovingly crafted by local schools, businesses and community groups. The festival also includes live music, craft festivals and carol services, and raises funds for island charities.
CHA chairman, the Ven Bob White, said:
“The gift of choice is one we take for granted, but which those who are on the margins do not often have. The gifts generously given by others may not be what the individual would choose for themselves, so this allows them that choice.
“And those who are in the margins and homeless are not just a statistic, or a nuisance, or a ‘them’; but they are human beings like us and in each of them Christians believe we see the image of God. Each year we hear of how much this simple scheme means to those who receive the gift cards and greeting and how precious they are.
“In a time of ongoing worries and concerns about finance, food, fuel and wellbeing we hope to be able to share this precious gift and greeting with as many as we can.”
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The Christmas trees in Brighstone always look
amazing.