George Square crib in the rain

A colleague who had moved from the East Coast commented recently that she had had to buy a hooded rainjacket because it always seemed to be raining in Glasgow!  As we stood in the pouring rain in George Square on 4th December, I could sympathise with her view, but the rain certainly had not dampened the spirits of the children of Cadder Primary School Choir or the Johnstone Brass Band, nor the resilience and patience of the crowd of parents and friends sheltering under umbrellas as they waited for the service to start.

As Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and her guests moved swiftly from the City Chambers and joined the children and band in the marquee erected in front of the Crib, the children led a rousing rendition of the well-known carol O Come All Ye Faithful.  As the Lord Provost said in her welcome, it was perfect for putting us all in a festive mood. She reflected that the annual Blessing of the Crib, jointly organised by the City Council and Glasgow Churches Together, had become a cherished tradition which celebrated the true meaning of Christmas and turned our thoughts to family, friends and love.

A passage from St Luke’s narrative of the Nativity was read by Rev. Janet Mathieson, Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, and the children treated us to a beautiful version of Away in a Manger (in English and Spanish) before Archbishop William Nolan led the blessing of the Crib. There were more carols and Poet Laureate of Glasgow Jim Carruth’s lovely and thought-provoking Nativity Sonnet, before Very Rev. Reuben Preston, Dean of Glasgow and Galloway Diocese led the prayers for Glasgow’s Council and citizens, for all experiencing poverty and homelessness, and for peacemakers throughout the world.

Johnstone Brass Band in out of the rain

The service finished with the praying of the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing led by Captain Les Heal of the Salvation Army, before the children and the Johnstone Brass Band sent everyone on their way to dry out and warm up with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.