A Boston Red Sox and Celtic Fan Celebrating Christmas in Brave Heart's Land

Well, here it is, almost Christmas, and there are Christmas
festivities galore here in Cupar, Scotland. There have been
Christmas decorations and lights up on the main street of
the small town since late November. I listened to a drum
and bagpipe band do Christmas carols at a recent farmers'
market. Stores have been offering Christmas promotions
and sales since early November. I hear of many groups and
work places having their Christmas dinners or parties.
What amazed me was that Ken, my ministerial colleague,
was invited to conduct two Christmas assemblies at the
big regional school in town. He addressed over 700 stu-
ents between the ages of 11 and 13. They listened to Scrip-
ture about Jesus, sang Christmas carols, and heard Ken
share with them about the incomparable Christ. (The
three other ministers in town conducted Christmas pro-
grams for the other levels at the school.) At night I look
out my bedroom window to see a few houses that went all
out with outdoor Christmas decorations and lights. They
add a sparkle to the neighborhood.

At church we've been preparing for Christmas since the
first Sunday in Advent. Slowly we've been focusing in on
Christmas. People here take great delight in giving Christ-
mas cards. People of the church have been signing a big
Christmas card to be sent to forty street boys of an orphan-
age in Peru that the church has been supporting for sever-
al years. Money has already been sent for a big Christmas
meal and new shoes. Last Thursday evening there was a
family Christmas party at the church. The highlight for me
was watching the ceilidh (a Scottish social dance event).
Parents introduced the children to some of the well-known
Scottish dance steps. There also was a well done children's
nativity play last Sunday morning and a beautiful nine les-
sons and carols candlelight service that evening. On Christ-
mas Eve there will be a Family Service at 7 pm and a Watch-
night Service later at 11:30. On Christmas Day there will be
a service for the family at 10:30. This is a special time of
year for me and I have been enjoying it.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas,