Sunday Service, 15 December 2024
Led by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall
Musical Prelude: ‘Candlelight Carol’ sung by our Quartet with Andrew Robinson
Opening Words: ‘Guiding Lights’ by Carter Smith
This Christmas season, may we bear witness
to the guiding lights: the lights in the sky
That call us to gather, and to give of ourselves
To celebrate new life, renewed hope.
May we receive, and offer good tidings:
The news that life and its seasons go on,
That tyrannical rulers do not have the final word,
And that despair is not everlasting.
May our senses be awakened:
To delight in the gifts of fragrance and warmth,
To savour the feasts before us,
And to revel in the laughter and embraces,
the sense of connection with loved ones, near and far.
May we breathe deeply, and be well-grounded,
As we sit with the quiet stillness of these short days.
And may our hearts beat a rhythm of gladness
As we lift our voices to proclaim the joy of this season.
Words of Welcome and Introduction:
These opening words – by Carter Smith – welcome all who have gathered this morning, for our Christmas carol service. Welcome to those who have gathered in-person at Essex Church and also to all who are joining us via Zoom from far and wide (including Glasgow Unitarians). For anyone who doesn’t know me, my name is Jane Blackall and I’m Minister with Kensington Unitarians.
In today’s service we will sing no less than seven carols – I’ve really packed them in – and we’ll enjoy more beautiful music from our quartet. We’ll hear some traditional Christmas readings – and some traditional-for-us Unitarian favourites – to help us find and make meaning out of this familiar story.
Lighting of Chalice and Advent Candle: ‘I Will Light Candles’ by Howard Thurman (adapted)
Let’s light our chalice flame now, as we do each week. This simple ritual
connects us in solidarity with Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists the world over,
and reminds us of the proud and historic progressive religious tradition of which we are a part.
(light chalice)
Let us light candles this Christmas.
Candles of joy despite all sadness.
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage for fears ever present.
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days.
Candles of graces to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire all the days of our living.
Candles that will burn all the year long.
Let us light the candles on our Advent wreath too. It’s the third Sunday in advent and the third candle is traditionally the pink one and it represents joy. May we know joy, this Advent season. (light advent candle)
Hymn (on sheet): ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’
It’s time for our first carol now – after this first one all the carols and readings are going to be unannounced today – if you’re in the building you can simply follow along in the little booklet – and if you’re at home you can just take it as it comes and be surprised when the next carol pops up on your screen (or alternatively you can follow the running order on the website; I think Jeanenne will put the link in the chat for you). Sit or stand as you feel most comfortable. Our first carol is ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of Angels:
O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.
See how the shepherds, Summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks draw nigh with lowly fear;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps:
O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.
Lo, star-led chieftains, Wise men, Christ adoring,
Offer him incense, gold and myrrh;
We to the Christ-child bring our hearts’ oblations:
O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
Glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.
Candles of Joy and Concern:
Each week when we gather together, we share a simple ritual of candles of joy and concern, an opportunity to light a candle and share something that is in our heart with the community. So we’ve an opportunity now, for anyone who would like to do so, to light a candle and say a few words about what it represents. We’ll go to the people in the building first, then to Zoom.
So I invite some of you here in person to come and light a candle and then if you wish to tell us briefly who or what you light your candle for. I’m going to ask you to come to the lectern to speak this time as I really want people to be able to hear you and I don’t want to keep nagging you about getting close to the handheld mic. And if you can’t get to the microphone give me a wave and I’ll bring a handheld mic over to you. Thank you.
(in person candles)
And if that’s everyone in the room we’ll go over to the people on Zoom next – you might like to switch to gallery view at this stage – just unmute yourselves when you are ready and speak out – and we should be able to hear you and see you up on the big screen here in the church.
(zoom candles)
And I’m going to light one more candle, as we often do, to represent all those joys and concerns that we hold in our hearts this day, but which we don’t feel able to speak out loud. (light candle)
Time of Prayer & Reflection: based on words by Parisa Parsa
And let’s take those joys and concerns into an extended time of prayer now. This Christmassy prayer is based on words by Parisa Parsa. You might first want to adjust your position for comfort, close your eyes, or soften your gaze. There might be a posture that helps you feel more prayerful. Whatever works for you. Do whatever you need to do to get into the right state of body and mind for us to pray together – to be fully present here and now, in this sacred time and space – with ourselves, with each other, and with that which is both within us and beyond us. (pause)
Spirit of Life, God of All Love, in whom we live and move and have our being,
we turn our full attention to you, the light within and without,
as we tune in to the depths of this life, and the greater wisdom
to which – and through which – we are all intimately connected.
Be with us now as we allow ourselves to drop into the
silence and stillness at the very centre of our being. (pause)
Divine Being, present in each and every birth;
into our hearts this season we ask for an opening –
a door through which your grace may pass –
and offer each of us a new path to life.
Help us to see in each and every stranger
the presence of eternal Love.
Help us to find within our tender hearts
the presence of abiding Peace.
Help us to find one another when we are hurting and afraid
and weave together a strengthened Faith.
Let us know you in watchful shepherds
who behold the star of hope in a dark sky.
Let us know you in innkeepers, in any kind heart
who will make space for the stranger to enter their world.
Let us know you in each and every being in the manger
all creatures of a sacred spirit who know
the holiness of every soul that’s born.
Let us know you in struggling parents and caregivers
who want the best for their children in a dangerous world -
and in wise people who go out of their way to witness
the wonder of the holy presence here on earth.
Most of all, let us know the joy that is born in our hearts
each time we recognise you and meet you, eternal Love,
alive in the world in the presence of another. (pause)
And, in a few minutes of quietness now, let us inwardly pray the prayers of our own hearts.
Let us bring to mind those we know to be struggling this day – perhaps including ourselves –
those friends and family we hold dearest – our neighbours in community –
others around the globe we may only have heard about on the news.
And let us take time to send prayers of loving kindness for all those who suffer. (pause)
Let us look back over the last week, taking time to notice what was good, to count our blessings –
all the ways in which others helped or encouraged us, inspired or delighted us –
all the goodness and beauty we have known even in the midst of struggle.
And let us take time to give prayers of thanks for all we have been given. (pause)
Spirit of Life – God of all Love – as this time of prayer comes to a close, we offer up
our joys and concerns, our hopes and fears, our beauty and brokenness,
and we call on you for insight, healing, and renewal.
As we look forward now to the coming week,
help us to live well each day and be our best selves;
using our unique gifts in the service of love, justice and peace. Amen
Hymn (on sheet): ‘Once in Royal David’s City’
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
Shepherds came to see this wonder,
And to kneel in holy awe,
At that lowly stable manger
Where the infant lay on straw;
So may we this happy morn
Honour every child that’s born.
From afar three magi journeyed
To that stable rude and bare,
To pay homage to the infant
Off’ring gifts both rich and rare;
So may we our gifts bestow,
Whether we be high or low.
In that happy Christmas spirit,
Hear the angels from on high
Sing their ancient salutations:
Joy’s a gift you cannot buy.
So may we, with heart that sings,
Share the truth this season brings.
In-Person Reading: The Gospel of Luke 2:1-20 (read by Roy)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Hymn (on sheet): ‘People Look East’
People look east! the time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east, and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Furrows be glad! Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That, in course, the flower may flourish.
People look east, and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch! when night is dim,
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east, and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
In-Person Reading: ‘The Truth of the Story’ by Kate Brady McKenna (read by Chloë)
They say a story can carry a truth far greater than the literal truth.
We Unitarians know the value of stories.
We know they carry truth.
We know they carry more truth than just the plain truth ever can.
Maybe we can’t believe a virgin gave birth to the son of God:
but we can believe that all births are miracles, worthy of celebration and wonder.
Maybe we can’t believe angels brought revelations:
but we can believe truth can be revealed
through the actions and words of those who dare to speak it and to act it.
Maybe we can’t believe the angels sang to shepherds:
but we can believe that those revelations about life
can come to and through even those we think are the most humble.
Maybe we can’t believe the wise men travelled to see the new-born baby king:
but we can believe that we should never be too lofty
or think ourselves too clever or too rich to see the wonder and majesty in tiny things.
Maybe we can’t believe that Jesus brought back the light by redeeming our sins:
but we can believe in a leader and teacher and prophet
who brought and brings illumination to the lives of those who wish to listen.
We can believe in the light. Always, we can believe in the light.
Maybe we can’t believe the Christmas story:
but we can believe in it
as a story which points to
a truth greater than we can possibly imagine.
Hymn (on sheet): ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark street shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace throughout the earth;
For Christ is born of Mary —
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The peace and joy of heaven.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Meditation: ‘The Camels Speak’ by Lynn Ungar
We’re moving into a time of meditation now. I’m going to share some a short poem by UU minister Lynn Ungar to take us into the time of silence – she often finds an unusual angle on a familiar story – in this poem she speaks in the voice of the camels who carried the wise men.
The words will take us into a few minutes of shared silence which will end with the sound of a bell. And then we’ll hear some beautiful music from our quartet of singers. So let’s each do what we need to do to get comfortable – adjust your position if you need to – perhaps put your feet flat on the floor to ground and steady yourself – maybe close your eyes. As we always say, the words and music are just an offering, feel free to use this time to meditate in your own way.
‘The Camels Speak’ by Lynn Ungar
Of course they never consulted us.
They were wise men, kings, star-readers,
and we merely transportation.
They simply loaded us with gifts
and turned us toward the star.
I ask you, what would a king know
of choosing presents for a child?
Had they ever even seen a baby
born to such simple folks,
so naked of pretension,
so open to the wind?
What would such a child care
for perfumes and gold? Far better
to have asked one born in the desert,
tested by wind and sand. We saw
what he would need: the gift
of perseverance, of continuing on the hard way,
making do with what there is,
living on what you have inside.
The gift of holding up under a burden,
of lifting another with grace, of kneeling
To accept the weight of what you must bear.
Our footsteps could have rocked him
with the rhythm of the road,
shown him comfort in a harsh land,
the dignity of continually moving forward.
But the wise men were not
wise enough to ask. They simply
left their trinkets and admired
the rustic view. Before you knew it
we were turned again toward home,
carrying men only half-willing
to be amazed. But never mind.
We saw the baby, felt him reach
for the bright tassels of our gear.
We desert amblers have our ways
of seeing what you chatterers must miss.
That child at heart knows something
about following a star. Our gifts are given.
Have no doubt. His life will bear
the print of who we are.
Period of Silence and Stillness (~3 minutes) – end with a bell
Musical Interlude: ‘The Shepherd’s Farewell’ sung by our Quartet with Andrew Robinson)
In-Person Reading: ‘What Are You Here For?’ by Quinn G. Caldwell (read by David B)
If you came here expecting a tame story, you came to the wrong place.
If you came for a story that does not threaten you,
you came for a different story than the one we tell.
If you came to hear of the coming of a God who only showed up
so that you could have a nice day with your loved ones,
then you came for a God whom we do not worship here.
For even a regular baby is not a tame thing.
And goodness that cannot threaten complacency and evil is not much good at all,
and a God who would choose to give up power and invincibility
to become an infant for you, certainly didn't do it just you could have a slap-up dinner.
But.
If you came because you think that unwed teenage mothers
are some of the strongest people in the world…
If you came because you think that the kind of people who
work night shifts doing stuff you'd rather not do
might attract an angel's attention before you,
snoring comfortably in your bed, would….
If you came because you think there are wise ones to be found
among undocumented travellers from faraway lands
and that they might be able to show you God…
If you came to hear a story of tyrants trembling
while heaven comes to penniless peasants…
If you came because you believe that God loves the animals
as much as the people and so made them
the first witnesses to the saving of the world.
If you came for a story of reversals that might end up reversing you.
If you came for a tale of adventure and bravery,
where strong and gentle people win,
and the powerful and violent go down to dust,
where the rich lose their money but find their lives
and the poor are raised up like kings.
If you came to be reminded that God loves you
too much to leave you unchanged.
If you came to follow the light even if it blinds you.
If you came for salvation and not safety, then:
ah, my friends, you are in the right place.
Hymn (on sheet): ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing oe’r the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tidings did you hear?
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
See him in a manger laid
Whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Mini-Reflection: by Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall
You know that famous saying by the Greek Philosopher Heraclitus? ‘You can’t step into the same river twice’? (this might seem a peculiar starting point for a Christmas reflection but bear with me…)
I heard a classic Christmas pop song this week, blaring out from a van that went past – it was one of my faves – Elton John’s ‘Step into Christmas’ – what a festive banger that is – and somehow I found myself mashing up Elton John and Heraclitus in my head to get a new and seasonally-appropriate update of the ancient wisdom: ‘You can’t step into the same Christmas twice’.
We return to the Christmas story each December – it’s a familiar story – and perhaps it’s our very familiarity that leads us to forget how strange the story is. More than that, though, it’s not just one story, but a whole bunch of stories woven together and layered on top of each other over centuries. Even in the Bible there are different accounts of Jesus’s birth, each with a different emphasis: today we heard the excerpt from Luke which focuses on the journey to Bethlehem, ‘no room at the inn’, the angels and shepherds. But we could have had the version from Matthew instead, which is a bit more ominous, focusing as it does on King Herod, and the wise men, the magi, following the star. And we left out the bit that is in both Gospels about the annunciation – in Luke the angel visits Mary to tell her that she’ll bear the Son of God – but in Matthew this news comes to Joseph in a dream instead.
On top of these varying biblical accounts we now have two millennia of folklore, tradition, art, and culture that has been piled up on top of the original story – which add on details and elaborations that might not have been present in the early tellings of the tale but which nonetheless are often meaningful. And on top of that all our own personal memories of Christmases we have lived through. (pause)
We can’t step into the same Christmas twice. The festival comes round again and again, but the story is never quite the same each time we hear it, as it’s told with a different emphasis, by contemporary voices, and picks up new resonances and associations, according to the times we are living through. And – just as importantly – we are not the same person this year as we were this time last year – the very living of life changes us – so (if we are open to it) we will be hearing the story with fresh ears.
Every time we encounter the narrative, its characters and its symbolism – or indeed when we sing the traditional carols or hear the familiar readings – even if it’s for the hundredth time – it’s a chance to open our heart to them and let ourselves be changed by the encounter. It’s true of the spiritual journey more generally, I reckon: yes, we go round and round, returning to the same things over and over again, but rather than experiencing this as a futile going-round-in-circles we might choose to approach it as a spiral journey, deepening each time we go around, finding more in it every year.
So in that spirit I invite you to join in with a short responsive reading – this was a bit of a last-minute addition to today’s service so it’s on the green slip in your order of service and the words will be up on screen in a moment if you’re on zoom – in this reading we invite the story to speak to us.
Responsive Reading: ‘Letting the Story Speak’ by Jane Blackall
This Christmas, let us open our hearts,
and extend an invitation to those familiar figures,
allowing the old story of the nativity to speak to us anew.
Mary and Joseph, poor and weary travellers, speak to us:
Show us the way of acceptance and love;
of saying ‘yes’ and embracing the mystery.
Shepherds, steadfast and humble workers, speak to us:
Inspire us to be watchful and attentive; to go where
we are called to go and do what needs to be done.
Angels, heralds of good news, speak to us:
Encourage us to be open to unexpected messages
and surprising insights that transform our lives.
Innkeeper, provider of hospitality, speak to us:
Stir us to share our resources to help others
and to know our offerings will be good-enough.
Beasts of the stall, accidental witnesses, speak to us:
Remind us to be good and sturdy companions to those
with whom we happen to be thrown together in this life.
Herod, tyrant and oppressor, speak to us:
Warn us of the evils and injustices of our own times;
provoke us to speak and act in ways that resist wrongdoing.
Magi, wise and intrepid strangers, speak to us:
Teach us to follow wherever love might lead,
that we too may grow in wisdom and in faith.
Star, sign of our highest aspirations, speak to us:
Guide us as we make our way through life,
illuminating the path of truth and righteousness.
Jesus, holy child, speak to us:
Awaken us to the light within each life,
the sense of hope and possibility in every birth;
help us to know the divine spark, the unique potential, we carry.
This Christmas, let us open our hearts, that the old story may speak to us anew. Amen.
Hymn (on sheet): ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’
Ding dong! Merrily on high
In heav’n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! Verily the sky
Is riv’n with angels singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E’en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And i-o, i-o, i-o,
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your eve-time song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Announcements:
Thanks to Ramona for tech-hosting. Thanks to Jeannene for welcoming everyone online. Thanks to Roy, Chloe, and David for reading. Thanks to Andrew, Margaret, Benjie, Lucy, and Edwin for our splendid music today. Thanks to Juliet for greeting. For those of you who are here in-person – we’ve got our potluck lunch – we’ve got plenty of food so you’re welcome to stay on and join us – but even if you just want to stay for a cuppa and cake that’s fine (and thanks to Julia for putting the kettle on). Many thanks to Patricia for coordinating the lunch and everyone else who is doubtless helping out too. If you’re joining online please do hang on after for a chat.
We’ve got various activities coming up in the week ahead. Tonight and Friday at 7pm we’ve got our regular ‘Heart and Soul’ online contemplative spiritual gathering – it is a great way to get to know others on a deeper level – this week’s theme is ‘Tradition’. Or you could come along to the in-person version on Wednesday night instead where the theme is ‘Books’ and we also have cake. Have a word with me whether you’re coming online or in-person or if you just want to know more about it.
Next Sunday we have our festive tea dance after the service – please do come along to that – and tell your friends. It’s 1.30 to 3.30 so you have a chance to eat some lunch before we dance. Rachel Sparks is our dance teacher and she’ll get us all up and dancing – line dance, ballroom, latin –beginners are welcome – you don’t need a partner – you don’t need to dress up (but you can! I’ve got myself a sparkly frock which I am still trying to pluck up the courage to wear). That’s free of charge but there will be a charity collection on the day for ‘Say it Loud Club’ for LGBTQ+ refugees.
I particularly want to draw your attention to the New Year’s Mini-Retreat – I have got plenty of sign-ups for the online version on New Year’s Day – but the in-person version on Sunday 29th December is in doubt as I only have four people signed up for that so far. So please tell me TODAY if you want to come to the in-person version otherwise we might call that one off.
Next Sunday’s service will be titled ‘Winter Wisdom’ to mark the solstice. And don’t forget we’ll have our candlelit carol service on Christmas Eve at 5pm. That’s always a very special occasion.
Details of all our various activities are printed on the back of the order of service, for you to take away, and also in the Friday email. Or why not take home a copy of our new fancy newsletter?
The congregation very much has a life beyond Sunday mornings; we encourage you to keep in touch, look out for each other, and do what you can to nurture supportive connections.
I think that’s everything. Just one last carol before our closing words and closing music now. As is traditional with Good King Wenceslas you can decide if you feel like being the king (usually the low voices) or the page (usually the high voices) for a bit of fun.
Hymn (on sheet): ‘Good King Wenceslas’
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, loving folk, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
You who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
Benediction: loosely based on words by Peter Godfrey
We are the channels through which the Love of God flows.
We are the ones called to embody goodness in this world.
Our chief business, in this life we’ve been given, is to put
beauty in the place of ugliness, good in the place of evil,
truth in the place of error, laughter in the place of tears,
love in the place of hatred, peace in the place of strife.
So let us take the message of the Christmas story to heart,
and truly live as God’s joyful heart right here on earth.
May it be so, for the greater good of all. Amen.
Closing Music: ‘Midwinter’ sung by our Quartet with Andrew Robinson
Rev. Dr. Jane Blackall
15th December 2024