A wonderful time was had at Carols Round the Tree. Shinfield's St.Mary’s Junior School was given a Bethlehem makeover with a stable, manger and straw bales to sit-on as over a 150 children and adults joined together in a retelling of the events of the first Christmas. Carols and poetry was accompanied by a chance for children to dress up as angels, shepherds and wise men. As the events of the nativity were retold, children were invited to fill the manger with characters as they appeared in the story. Central to all was the idea of God fully becoming a human being as Jesus to repair our broken friendship with Him. The fact God came himself demonstrated his love for us, while no other man could have done all the things he did. We really believe, as the angels told the Shepherds, that ‘a saviour has been born.’ And to aid the celebrations, Shinfield View kindly hosted everyone for delicious refreshments.