On 17th December, St George’s Church celebrated its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. In this service the story of the Nativity was retold through readings and prayers, carols and music and the congregation was invited to reflect anew upon the meaning of Christmas.

Pat Hawkins sang “Once In Royal David’s City” and Cynthia Collick sang “The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came.” The congregation all lit their candles for the final reading from John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Afterwards we all went over to the church hall for mulled wine and mince pies and took part in the Christmas raffle.

In the words of the Christmas Blessing:

May the joy of the angels,

The faith of the shepherds,

The perseverance of the wise men,

The obedience of Mary and Joseph,

And the peace of the Christ Child,

Be yours this Christmas.

And the blessing of God almighty,

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.