THE December 20 service at Crediton Methodist Church was led by Tina Turner, a worship leader, and the message was given by Cathy Jerrard, a member of Crediton Methodist Church, and a local preacher in training.

Her theme was "Great Expectations".

The fourth Advent candle was lit. The family challenge, taken up by 10 people, was to show a picture of an angel.

In the Bible reading from Luke we heard how an angel appeared firstly to Mary and then to Joseph telling them that Mary had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. We heard that they travelled to Bethlehem and that Jesus was born in a stable. The angel then appeared to shepherds in the fields.

Cathy explained the Christmas cracker was invented in 1861 by Tom Smith, a London sweet maker, as packaging for his sweets. He named it "Bags of Expectation". Speaking of great expectations, Cathy pulled a Christmas cracker and we waited to see what was inside.

Cathy said we are all waiting in expectation for when we can see our relatives and friends in safety when the vaccines have been distributed. We were also waiting for Christmas and the people of Israel were awaiting a Messiah.

Inside Cathy’s cracker was a paper crown which reminded us that Jesus was born to be King and he is inviting us to be part of His kingdom. Then there was a joke.

Tom Smith put love poems in his first "bags of expectation" and the message that Jesus came to love us is the best message of all. Finally in the cracker is a small gift and Cathy said that Jesus came to free us from fear and give us a new life. This is the best gift – one of inclusion for all. She asked at this Christmas time, how will we respond to the wonderful message of God’s love?

The church is closed again. If you would like to join us live at the Sunday morning services at 10.30am please contact the AV team using the email: [email protected] . Individual help will be given to work out how you can best access the worship. Alternatively you can watch the service at a later date by going to: www.creditonmethodist.org.uk .

Bronwyn Nott