Christmas Tree Festival 2024

Surrounded by 33 Christmas trees, thoughtfully decorated by local groups and organisations, a packed church listened to Tim Farron MP as he opened St Paul’s 11th Christmas Tree Festival on Thursday 5th December.

Tim explained that this event is the one in his calendar that kick starts the whole Christmas season for him.  He asked if anyone had an advent calendar and, not surprisingly, many in the audience had one that is full of chocolate.  Advent calendars remind us of the first Christmas that God promised thousands of years ago.  But it was a long wait.  400 years after the last prophet’s promise, Jesus did arrive, not where and how many expected him to come but he did come.

It seems a long wait from opening door 1 of our advent calendars to door 24, but Tim assured us that the government has not cancelled Christmas this year and it will come.  He also agreed that this is the one time of the year when it is socially acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast.

Grange Primary School Choir, adorned in reindeer antlers, elf and santa hats, sang beautifully.  All their hard work giving up lunchtimes to practise was well worth it.  ‘Peace, Joy and Love’ was accompanied by British Sign Language and reminded us of the simple message that is true at Christmas.  The Christmas alphabet is a favourite and the Figgy Pudding actions made us all smile and just a little hungry.  Thank you Miss Milburn for co-ordinating such a polished performance.

The Bay Community Singers, dressed resplendently in black and red, opened with their signature theme tune, written for the group’s 10th anniversary this year, and let their voices be heard from the hills to the bay.  They followed with some festive songs and ended with a Christmas blessing to us all.  Jane Thedham is looking forward to members of the primary school choir joining them when they are older.

A full church singing traditional carols in the candlelight under decorative paper stars raised the rafters with joy and celebration.

The Revd David Wilmot concluded the service by thanking those who have given so much time and effort to decorate the trees.  The ingenuity, creativity and attention to detail is quite remarkable.  Particular thanks were given to Gill Webster for helping to make it all possible, and to the mayor Roger Handley for joining in the festival fun.

The church will be open for all to read the moving stories behind the designs until 27th December.  So come along and be inspired.

After all the singing we were treated to a seasonal punch and mince pies. There was also a chocolate treat waiting at the door as we left.

So open your advent calendars each day as we wait in anticipation for Christmas Day.

May the peace of the Christ child be with you this Christmas.

May the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always.

All funds raised from this event will be shared between Barrow Foodbank and St Paul’s heating fund.