2 December 2025

Both kirks were dressed for Christmas on the first Sunday of Advent. They looked beautiful. It was unexpected. Throughout my ministry, the kirk was dressed for Christmas for the children’s Gift Service which was usually held on the third Sunday.

This meant that we had the first two Sundays in Advent to enjoy  and savour the Advent Wreath. In those days, there were always children but in the kirks where I preach now, there are none. One wreath had short thin candles. The other had short, fat candles. They were red and the wreaths were delightfully homemade.

The Christmas Trees were different. In one kirk, it was short and stout with beautifully thick branches. Someone had taken time to make bright red bows which were very distinctive. It sat in the church porch and was a warm and welcoming sign of Christmas cheer.

The other was in the kirk. It must have been at least ten feet tall for it was parallel to the pulpit and had far to go from that vantage point. As I preached, it became my companion with its illumination and then my enemy. For during the sermon, my mouth and throat began to dry  up. It was an allergic reaction to the pine!

In one kirk, I was asked to light the first candle ‘now that we have no kids’ said the Session Clerk. In the other, I was forewarned and asked one of our two ordinands to light it. In both, I added some words. ‘As the light increases throughout  Advent, we are called to wane.’

I was reminded of John the Baptist. He styled Jesus as the bridegroom come for the bride. ‘The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.’ says John. ‘For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’