The candle lit in the impenetrable darkness of an ancient church, instantly shedding a golden light, may be a most potent symbol of the message of Christmas. "The people that sat in darkness have seen a great light" with the coming of the Christ child. For this reason candle-lit carol services are the order of the day in churches throughout the Republic and beyond.
The annual "Carols by Candlelight" service of the Howth and Malahide congregation will be held tomorrow, beginning at 4.30 p.m. For many years the Third Day Chorale (inclusive of members of the congregation) with its director, Ms Marie Murphy, have led the singing.
Families and friends of the congregation will gather in the Malahide church on Christmas morning at 10.30 for a very special service of lessons, carols, prayers, reflection and the exchange of the season's greeting.
On December 27th, courtesy of RTE, the Howth and Malahide congregation will broadcast a service of morning worship from the Howth church at 10.45. Members of the junior Enchiriadis choir with its director, Ms Marion Doherty, and members of other choirs in the district are expected to join us. All are welcome to these services.
The annual World Development Appeal of the Presbyterian Church is made at this time in most congregations. "Let my people go free from hunger" is the title of the current appeal. World Development is a long-term partnership with the poor, resulting in change in the lives of individuals and communities for the better.
At present, a three-year campaign aims at helping people trapped in poverty without the capacity or the resources to free themselves. Projects in every continent are supported. The contributions are channelled through such relief agencies as Christian Aid and Tear Fund.
During the last three years World Development Appeal has contributed over £1 million. Beneficiaries are as varied as a sustainable agricultural network in India which provides materials, seeds and training; the establishment of an agricultural project in three villages in Albania which assists in growing seed potatoes and fruit trees; and horticultural and agricultural projects in Brazil and Guinea.
Guinea is at present hosting 600,000 refugees from conflict in Liberia and Sierra Leone. An evangelical Protestant church there is helping people to reclaim swamp land for growing rice. The church also provides seeds and tools, and has introduced new crops and begun a pilot fish-farming scheme. Ministers are asked to appeal to congregations to give generously.
The 1998-99 Youth Project, Making a Difference in Europe, is again commended enthusiastically. The focus is on three areas of work in particular. The Klicek Foundation in the Czech Republic cares for children and families in a country undergoing rapid change. A children's hospice is being built; summer camps are being organised for the sick and their families; and bereaved families are being supported.
In Romania an extension is being added to a child-care centre at Zilah; furniture and equipment will also be provided for needy and homeless children and young people. The horror that is Romania for some today is the legacy of the infamous Nicolae Ceausescu, overthrown on Christmas night in 1989, but not before he had ruined the lives of countless thousands.
The Scripture Gift Mission is being helped to develop the scriptures appropriately for use by some of the world's 200 million "street kids".