Advent and Christmas 2023 at St George’s
As Advent started we began our journey with the Jesse Tree, a way of thinking in advent about all those who had been anticipating the arrival of Jesus, from the beginning of time and for centuries leading up to his birth.
We started Advent with an empty tree, and we gradually filled this with symbols over the Sundays of Advent, as we paused to think how much Jesus was looked forward to.
We also had sets that we completed at home, giving us space each day in Advent to pause and think about the coming of the Messiah.
But, even during Advent, our Christmas celebrations began. Starting with Christmas Journey which took place at Christ Church, East Greenwich, where we welcomed nearly 200 children to experience the Christmas story with all their senses.
Then, in the middle of December, Christmas starting to creep fully into Advent! We had carols at East Greenwich Pleasaunce, at Mycenae House and at the Royal Standard Pub. It was lovely to come together as community in these places.
Church was decorated beautifully by a dedicated band of volunteers ready to welcome people in for our Christmas services.
We even took part in the East Greenwich advent trail, with an amazing outdoor installation designed and made by one of our young people.
And what a JOY those services were!
And on Christmas Eve we joined with Holy Trinity and Christ Church to welcome families from the Peninsula to a Christmas Eve extravaganza. Not even bad weather could stop us!
And so, from a very tired vicar, THANK YOU, to all who helped in so many ways and all who came from near and far. The exhaustion was real, but the joy of celebrating God’s light that cannot be overcome by darkness was even greater. Look at this tired, happy face before the midnight service!
So, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who helped make this Christmas so special. None of this could have happened without each and every one of you. I hope to see you again soon.
Rev Laura Faturoti