Maxwell Mearns sheds light on Christmas story

FESTIVE celebrations are in full swing at Maxwell Mearns Castle parish church following a show shedding light on the real meaning of Christmas.

Mearns residents weren’t going to let poor weather stand in the way of Christmas in the Dark, as over 200 turned out to see 16 of the church’s finest actors present the events of the first Christmas.

Guests were then treated to a family meal, allowing members of the congregation to get to know each other better.

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Reverend Dr Scott Kirkland explained: “We called our event Christmas in the Dark because it was outside our premises at night. But more so because we realise that many in Scotland are in the dark as to the real events of Christ’s birth, which gave rise to the celebration we call Christmas.

“It was great to see such a huge turnout from the community on such a wet and windy evening — younger and older folk alike listened to a re-enactment of the good news of the birth of Jesus, and then ate a turkey meal together with beautiful desserts.”

Church elder Murray McNicol added: “This was a new venture for us and, with so many male parts to cast, the men of the church rose to the challenge and threw themselves into character.

“It was great to see so many from the Newton Mearns community having fun and enjoying the spectacle — but what we really hope is that it gave everyone a new insight into the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago.”

The story isn’t over yet, as the church will be following up the nativity tale each Sunday morning — the festive theme will also be part of the Christmas eve services, at 6.30pm and 11.15pm.

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