gifts we have, our family and friends and above all, His unfailing love.

and around the world who don’t have that privilege and for whom this Christmas will not be filled with joy, hope, love and especially peace. As we rush from one ‘important’ Christmas chore to the next, I’m reminded to stop and give thanks to an ever loving Lord, and to appreciate the greatest

service in the Scottish Parliament , hearing voices young and old, including my own beautiful niece, sing and speak in anticipation of the greatest gift we’ve ever received.
So, as I start to wrap the mound of presents I seem to buy every year, I’m reminded of the many families both close to home

food banks, and community cafes, striving to ensure everyone has a meal. Through the darkness, there is hope. Hope that became flesh quietly in a humble stable. In the darkness, embrace the cracks, choose to let God into our defences and show the light, choose to be the light.

we find? Through that darkness shines the fairy lights hanging from houses, the twinkling Christmas trees through the house windows. Through the darkness are the strangers on the street with a friendly hello, the people close to us who ask “Are you ok, really ok?”. The volunteers who man the

really feel? Who wants to do that! But when the cracks start to show and we start to let people in the most unexpected things happen.

“There’s a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.” When we are waiting in the darkness searching for the small glimmers of light and hope, what do

The lyric “There is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in” are words that have stuck with me for a long time, and seem incredibly fitting for this past year. This year, the cracks have been painful. Realising just how vulnerable you have to be to get better. Talking about how you

and the relentless stress really about?
This is an encouragement, a simple call to action. Stop. Take a breath. Give yourself a bit of breathing space and ask: What is Christmas truly, fundamentally, about? You have a perfect chance to find the answer. Try the Advent Labyrinth.

Right from the end of October, the noise begins. Our telly screens are bombarded with Christmas adverts. John Lewis, M&S, Aldi—they all pile on the pressure to make this the ultimate Christmas. But I have to ask you: When did the real story of Christmas get drowned out? What is all the rushing

that can only be found in the Sanctuary.
There’s something truly extra-ordinary about turning up for this Labyrinth installation. This isn't just a day out; it is a vital escape from the sheer, frantic madness we call the Christmas build-up—which seems to be starting earlier every single year.

First Christmas Labyrinth!

Although the building is not being used regularly for worship, special permission has been granted to allow this well loved Advent Installation to be available once more for the public to experience. This is an opportunity to visit St Andrew’s and feel the peace

Christmas build-up—which seems to be starting earlier every single year."

If you are not able to make it in person this weekend there is a virtual mindfulness labyrinth on the Sanctuary First website.
www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk
---
Escape the Rush: Discover the Extra-Ordinary Sanctuary

Liturgy and Prayer in Christian Worship.
Elders in changing Church contexts.
Ministry and Mission in Digital Culture.
Creative Writing as Spiritual Reflection.
They are online, open to all & cost £207. A Kirk Session could cover costs by applying to Seeds for Growth / Presbytery Small Grants Fund