Carols by Torchlight in Newton Mearns!
By Adrienne Cartwright, Children & Youth Worker, Newton Mearns BC
Carols by Candlelight would normally be a highlight during Advent for many people within in our community and church family but like many things in 2020 it just was not possible to have such an event within in our building. Rather than being discouraged we felt enlivened to create something new and different that everyone could participate in outside of the building and so Carols by Torchlight began to take shape. We wanted to shine bright with the Good News of Jesus and light up our windows with displays that would point people to the story of the birth of Jesus. So, we added lights to the trees in the grounds, we decorated 6 large windows that depict parts of the nativity story and in the 6 large windows in the sanctuary we’ve shared the following message, Jesus Gives Hope, Peace, Love, Joy.
All these windows are lit every day so that those passing can clearly see the message of Good News that we wanted to share during Advent. Alongside that we’ve added a short trail that people can follow which takes them to 6 stations around the grounds where they scan a QR code to hear the Bible reading and then there’s a few things to think about before scanning the second QR code to hear the Christmas carol. At the end of the Trail is the full nativity scene and the opportunity to request a gift bag which includes the Scottish Bible Society’s Advent reader book & window decorating resources and a bag of chocolate coins.
We don’t know what Advent 2021 will look like but I’m sure Carols by Torchlight will be repeated, hopefully alongside Carols by Candlelight. For this year our prayer is that those passing will see the lights shining and read the words of good news and will be drawn to the one who is the Light of the World.
