On Saturday November 23, St. James’ Church, Ryde, Isle of Wight held a ‘Gift of Christmas’ fair.
A church holding a Christmas fair would not normally be worthy of much space in this newspaper, but this ‘Gift of Christmas’ fair was different.
Everything was totally and completely free for everybody who came!
High unemployment
Ryde (and indeed the whole of the island) has high unemployment levels and all the accompanying social issues, especially in the current economic climate. St James’ Church was seeking to reach out in love and compassion to those in the community for whom Christmas is a burden, not a joy. It was trying, with God’s help, to welcome in those who might otherwise not have any money spare to afford presents for those they love. The vision of those who initiated this ‘Gift of Christmas’ fair at St James’ was to show — in a very practical way — the wonderful free gift that God gave to us all at Christmas, his own son, Jesus.
Donated gifts
There were literally thousands of items to give, all donated by those in the church fellowship and by generous local traders. The response to this fair by so many local business people was remarkable — especially in the provision of gift certificates for services such as free beauty treatments, haircuts at smart salons, or meal out vouchers.
Incredulity
Many who came to the fair expressed their incredulity at everything being completely free — including all the refreshments (just about the whole of the church family had spent time baking in the run-up to the event!).
This opened up many opportunities for gospel conversations with those in the queues. The excellent Good Book Company tract Love Came Down at Christmas, together with an invitation to the Christmas services, was given to all 450 or so people who came.
One young mother with three small children who came along said: ‘I had been so worried about Christmas. I don’t know what I’d have done without this’.
