The Big Question

The Rev Helen Alexander, locum minister, Edinburgh: Mayfield Salisbury

“Writing in mid-October as the coronavirus spreads I wish I had a crystal ball.

“Might we adopt Australian practice of celebrating ‘Christmas in July’ when cooks cope better then with turkey and plum pudding than in December when temperatures can soar above 40 degrees? Worth a thought virus-wise, but meantime here’s the plan: worship for Advent and the Nativity online and, restrictions permitting, in church with candles, the customary Christmas collection of gifts for children in difficult circumstances, and PLEASE, a Christmas tree with photos on the website; a service of readings and carols when members of the Chamber Choir and congregation will record pieces for the season; lots of goodwill, and reaching out particularly to our housebound members and those in care homes for whom Christmas may be difficult and lonely this year; and last, though by no means least, trying to make it a happy and memorable time for our children and young people with whom we’ve kept in touch for months with talks, online activities and Zoom meetings.

“They will need to make Christingles at home this year: 45 or so tiny solitary separated lights in a large building won’t work. And we don’t want scolding on Christmas Eve! So we’re guessing the Watchnight Service is off.

“But nonetheless we shall celebrate the birth of the Christ child who came to earth in difficult, frightening times. Perhaps this will seem all the more pertinent this year.”

The Rev Ellen Larson Davidson, minister at Kippen linked with Norrieston, Stirling

“Childhood memories of acoustic Stille Nacht, candlelight, nativity plays with itchy angel halos made of tinsel, the smell of a real tree, yummy homemade food, lots of chocolate, and singing, lots of singing, speak to me of Christmas.

“Normal Christmases recently involved calling in extra help, especially when my husband has deployed overseas or on a submarine. Our children know Christmas as others surrounding them in love, grandparents staying with us, and friends helping with childcare. Normal is busy, loud, exhausting, and filled with lots of activities and events. Did I mention lots of singing? 

“Christmas 2020? 

“I will sing carols alone, with others online, and maybe outside distanced if allowed. I will trim as many trees as I can in the garden declaring the light coming into the long nights of December. I will decorate and light my windows with words of hope, peace, joy, and love. I will invite people to walk the road to Bethlehem in the nativity story. I will stand in the dark night looking for stars, even if it is snowing – a South Dakotan can dream.

“I will smile and look people in the eyes as we dash about wearing masks. I will remember traditions of childhood wonder reminding me that anywhere Jesus is born is sacred: in a stable, on the margins, and especially in the heartache of longing and lament.

“I will cast off the wrappings of expectations to embrace the essentials of God being with us in Jesus’s birth.”

The Rev John Young, minister, Edinburgh: Liberton Kirk

“There is something about Christmas that stirs the heart.

“Here at Liberton, the closer we get to Christmas Day the more we find people, who define themselves as not very ‘religious’, being drawn into our celebrations.

“By the time we get to Christmas Eve the sense of excitement is almost tangible, with our Christingle and Watchnight services drawing the largest crowds of the entire year.

“So, when asked how will Christmas differ for you, my first thought was that this year we will try our best, but, because of all the likely restrictions, it simply won’t be the same.

“But then I remembered one Christmas that was very different.

“My wife and I were newly married, and living in a borrowed tent in a Hindu village somewhere in South Asia, where we were doing some research.

“That year Christmas Day was just like any other day.

“The only thing that made it any different was when we tuned into the BBC World Service and heard the sound of a choir singing O come all ye faithful. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, we were aware of God’s presence among us.

“My feeling is that, if we think of Christmas as something WE do, then this year certainly won’t be the same. But if we think of Christmas as an opportunity for GOD to do something – to peel back all the trappings and remind us of his presence, then we won’t be disappointed.”

The Rev Alistair Cook, minister at Hawick: St Mary’s & Old linked with Teviot & Roberton

“I’ve learned since this pandemic began not to plan in any detail more than a week or two ahead – all our plans are so evidently provisional.

“Our Kirk Sessions will be discussing our services over Christmas with the likelihood that there will be less than usual, given the restrictions and with livestreaming in place.

“The impact of Covid-19 has often produced contrasting responses within us.

“Lockdown meant we couldn’t do many things, bringing a sense of restriction. But it was so amazingly quiet; taking our daily walk in the traffic-free streets was a pleasure. And no evening meetings to go out to! I think Christmas will be the same. It is right we joyfully celebrate the incarnation, remembering the wonder of God becoming one of us in Jesus, the Word made flesh. So we will miss the full-scale nature of our usual Christmas services and events. It will be sad not to sing the carols. And we will greatly miss our usual family Christmas gatherings.

“But I remember thinking just last year how out of proportion our Christmas celebrations are – so many services, so many carol concerts, so much commercial exploitation of the season.

“The thought of a quieter Christmas, enabling us to focus on what Christmas is really all about in our smaller-scale services, and in whatever way we can engage with our loved ones, is actually quite attractive.”

David Bradwell, Faith Impact Forum

“For the past ten years I’ve worked at 121 George Street.

“From late November when I’ve stepped out of the office I have been surrounded by the lights and laughter of central Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.

“I would pass the Dome bar opposite St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church each morning and afternoon on the way from the bus station to the office and back again.

“While I have become used to working from home since March, the Christmas lights, the office Christmas lunch and the 121 carol service (and choir rehearsals in the weeks beforehand) are all things I’ll miss this year.

“My wife is a parish minister and so Advent and Christmas is always a busy time. The last couple of years we’ve really enjoyed a quiet Christmas after all the busyness, just her, me and our wee boy.

“We’re hoping this year that her parents might be able to join us from Germany, Covid-19 restrictions permitting.

“We’ve only been able to see them once this year.

“If they make it I expect one big difference for Christmas 2020 will be opening presents on Christmas Eve!

“My mum has always hosted a New Year’s Day party, a lunchtime buffet with a quiz and games, for all her friends and neighbours.

“Maybe we’ll do it on Zoom this year?”