In all kinds of church communities the past weekend will have been a frenzy of activity, with differing things happening for all kinds of age groups. This year we were one activity down, with the advantage of Christmas on a Sunday.

My church community tries to appeal to a broad group of people, so we are traditional with candles, carols and the King James version; or we decorate fruit and tell a story with some slightly more up-beat carols. The Christmas Eve Christingle service is now in its 10th year, and continues to be popular.

In amongst the candle light and excitement there are always behind the scenes tensions and anxieties. Perhaps the hope of awaiting love in the birth of an infant means we are reminded of the potential to be forgiven our seasonal fallouts.