Knitted angels bringing joy to East Lothian town

Knitted angels have spread their heavenly wings to bring joy to people in an East Lothian town.

More than 120 have been created and they have been placed on the railings at Northesk Church in Musselburgh every Sunday during the season of Advent and people are invited to take one to decorate their home this festive season.

A sign on the railings says: "Hark! We are angels knit by members of Northesk Church and friends for you to take home and make part of your Christmas.

"Pop us on a tree, place us on a shelf, hang us on your banister, and let us remind you of the light and life that Jesus brings to us all."

That last line echoes the hymn 'Hark! The herald angel sing' when it says 'Light and life to all He brings. Risen with healing in his wings.'

Parish minister Rev Hayley Cohen said: "The response has really been amazing.

"As a group of the knitters and I were taking photos of the angels for our Instagram and Facebook page, a few folk came along and took them and then handed me money for the church out of gratitude.

"When I told them the angels were free and a gift from us to the community, they still insisted we take the money, which was incredibly generous and deeply appreciated.

"I have to say a huge thank you to the talented folk who have spent months knitting these angels.

"Each one was knitted with prayer and is a symbol of the light and life that Jesus brings to the world at Christmas."

Ms Cohen said the church has a very active group of knitters, crocheters and crafters who meet every other Wednesday for the Knit and Natter group.

"It's a wonderful initiative that started from within the congregation and helps people connect over their shared passion for wool," she explained.

"In addition to their own personal projects, they work together to knit for various charities such as SiMBA (Simpson's Memory Box Appeal) and CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland) amongst others.

"At one of their meetings earlier in the autumn, one of the members was knitting angels for her daughter's church in Edinburgh, as they were planning to festoon their railings with angels for Christmas and we thought, what a great way to connect with people walking by on the street and bring a bit of joy to people in our community who are maybe feeling a bit isolated or blue this Christmas.

Ms Cohen said the last host of angels will be attached to the church railings this Sunday – 22 December.

"Included with the angels is a little note wishing whoever takes them a Merry Christmas and inviting them to join us for our Christmas Eve service on 24 December at 4.30pm and our Christmas Day service at 10.30am," she added.

Advent is a time of prayer and preparation for the coming of God's Son.

Meaning 'coming' or 'arrival', it is also a time when Christians look outwards to the needs of others, spreading joy with friends, families, local communities and further afield.