December 17 was a very special service. Not only the Nativity play presented by the Sunday School but a baptism of twins as well. The church swelled with parents and children to enjoy the events.

Joseph and Mary were in a cold stable with baby Jesus when Joseph thought a fire would keep everyone warm.

He set out into the woods to search for twigs to make a fire. Of the three tress he visited the oak had no twigs, he kept all his for big strong boats. The second, a Beech was keeping his for fine new furniture. Only the Holly tree would let Joseph have as many twigs as he wanted, as no one had any great use for it.

Joseph collected as many twigs as he could carry and set of back to the stable to make a fire.

The fire warmed the stable and kept baby Jesus warm through the cold night.

God, seeing how good and caring the Holly tree had been, rewarded it with a new set of leaves. He also made sure that red berries would blossom on the Holly tree at Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.

To this day the Holly Tree leaves and berries are used to make decorations and wreaths to celebrate Christmas the world over.

After the nativity play the Sunday School sang their own arrangement of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus in the manger

The three trees

Joseph collects twigs from the Holly tree

To light a fire to keep Mary and baby Jesus warm

God rewards the Holly tree with berries and new leaves

Lots and lots of berries and leaves

Sunday School sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer