Christmas trees made of books, and decorated with baby items and ribbons aren’t common place in the usual nativity story, but for Eglinton Presbyterian Church, these trees, and 50 others, will form a focal part of their Christmas celebrations.
Following a successful run in 2013, Eglinton Presbyterian Church, situated on the Ballysillan Road in Belfast, will open its doors for a second Christmas Tree Festival where 50 Christmas Trees will tell the story of the life of Jesus, with special emphasis on his birth, under the festival theme: “Light of the World”‘. The event will run daily from 4.00pm-10.00pm between Thursday 30th November until Sunday 3rd December where visitors to the Christmas Tree Festival will also be treated to a variety of Carol singers, choirs and seasonal light refreshments, all free of charge.
Colin Morrison, Eglinton Presbyterian Church’s Minister said:
“The Christmas story is one of the most special in the Bible. With the state of our world today and all the worries and pressures in our own lives especially at this time of year, it is very easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. Through the Christmas Tree Festival, our aim is to provide people with the opportunity to relax, learn more about the story of Jesus or simply enjoy viewing the uniquely decorated trees.
This major event in our Christmas celebrations, is open to the public free of charge, however, donations will be welcomed for the ongoing church refurbishment and in support of those addressing mental health issues, namely PIPS and the Mater Hospital Psychiatry Department. We want to give something back to the local community and we believe that supporting mental health charities is a good way to do this.”
You can follow all the excitement in the run up to the festival on Facebook (@EglintonTreeFestival) as well as browse through a selection of images from 2013 to find out what to expect.
Colin Morrison concluded
“We will be delighted if you visit our festival. When the Christmas trees are viewed at your leisure you will be very welcome to enjoy some warm drinks and festive treats in the church hall.”
For more information on the festival, go to the Church’s website at www.eglintonpres.com/
