Doing Christmas differently

Over the years people would say to me "It's your busy time of the year" 


Well these characters were well used over the years in many places and now left in Sheffield for the BB to use. I wonder if they have appeared?







Advent and Christmas has meant for 38 years being 'extra busy' with additional services and activities on top of everything else. In my first appointment there would be Midnight Communion at my Hilton Chapel and at least two services on Christmas morning at my village chapels Somersham and Earith before back to St Ives for a third service a united act of worship with the local URC. No wonder I always enjoyed Boxing Day more. 

Of course many of the Advent and Christmas services were special not least because we used to have children and young people involved. The 5pm Christmas Eve service at Highlands was always full and candlelit. 

Wherever we have lived Midnight communion has always been the most special service for me as we wait knowing all that can be done had been done, and the focus becomes the Word becoming flesh. 

In addition to church activities there would be extra school assemblies, talks, carol singing and suddenly an already full diary became overloaded.

So being asked am I missing any of this? Not at all. 

I am enjoying being able not to rush around and for once being able to attend services and soak up the atmosphere. So I am looking forward to taking one of our grandson's to our Church's Christingle on Christmas Eve and then we will go onto Midnight Communion before the Christmas morning service. then we can join two of our daughters, son in law and grandson for lunch. I'm not cooking till Boxing Day though I have had chance to do some baking. 


Florentines well its nearly Christmas, and ginger biscuits and mini lemon biscuits for grandchildren.







Looking back at photos for the nativity figures I realise that even last year we didn't really have the normal time due the aftermath of Covid. So this year will be special to sit amongst a congregation at mid night and ponder the God made flesh. 

So no prayer just the words of my favourite song for Christmas Eve or day



Who would think that what was needed

To transform and save the earth

Might not be a plan or army,

Proud in purpose, proved in worth?

Who would think, despite derision,

That a child should lead the way?

God surprises earth with heaven,

Coming here on Christmas day.


Shepherds watch and wise men wonder,

Monarchs scorn and angels sing;

Such a place as none would reckon

Hosts a holy helpless thing;

Stable beasts and by-passed strangers

Watch a baby laid in hay:

God surprises earth with heaven,

Coming here on Christmas Day.


Centuries of skill and science

Span the past from which we move,

Yet experience questions whether,

With such progress, we improve.

While the human lot we ponder,

Lest our hopes and humour fray,

God surprises earth with heaven,

Coming here on Christmas Day.

                                                                                                          © Iona Community

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