From Blackhall Parish Church, Edinburgh. Conducted by the Minister, the Rev. J. G. Matheson Christmas-time in St. Columba's, Blackhall, as in any other church, is full of extra brightness and bustle. The whole church is decorated and in one corner the Christmas tree is lit up. During the week before Christmas there are special carol and children's services. In the hall there is a succession of parties for all the organisations from the Sunday School onwards, but apart from these the spirit of Christmas is kept by remembering other people as well. At a special Children's Service gifts of toys and books and eatables are collected for distribution among various children's homes and hospitals in the town. This year a group of men, mostly belonging to the congregation, have volunteered to mend broken toys and make them like new for this purpose. One of the youth groups visits an Eventide Home nearby and sings carols to the old folk. A big collection of clothing and food has been gathered to send abroad to refugee camps in Europe and Palestine. So in various ways the message of Christmas is realised as peace on earth and good will towards men.