Christian Aid’s carol service promotes peace and hope
The Christian Aid carol service included prayers for peace around the world this Christmas, with messages from aid workers in the Middle East and South Sudan.
Over 250 people attended the service at the New Town Church on George Street with many more watching live from home.A range of guest speakers read prayers and readings, including former Moderator of the Church of Scotland the Very Rev David Arnott, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill MP. Hymn writer John Bell delivered the address.
Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Val Brown said: “Christmas is the wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus but we sometimes forget that he was born in a stable in Bethlehem during military occupation by the Roman Empire – a time of fear and uncertainty.
“Today millions of people find themselves displaced by war, conflict or occupation, their lives disrupted by fear and chaos. Our service last night acknowledged these challenging times and how Christian Aid’s peacebuilding and humanitarian work is making a difference but how we can all make a difference by calling for peace.
“It was wonderful to see a packed church, thanks to everyone who came along. And my thanks to all those who took part in the service – especially our musical contributors Siskin Green and the children from St Peter’s RC Primary School in Edinburgh who really raised the roof with their carol singing”.
This year Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal is focused on South Sudan. Christian Aid’s Country Director for South Sudan, James Wani, shared an update during the service over video.
Speaking from Juba, he described the challenges facing his country, including climate change and conflict. Due to the war in neighbouring Sudan, hundreds of thousands of people have arrived seeking safety. But despite this he said, “hope is the lifeline which sustains so many” and he thanked people for their continued support.