27/12/2022
Unfortunately Fr Lee has come down with the lurgy that is doing the rounds so the services for tomorrow are cancelled. Tomorrow is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Let me recommend Malcolm Guite’s sonnet for the Feast, Refugee, which the King asked to be included in the Royal Carol Service.
We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cosy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.
For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.
Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.
But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.
Happy 2nd day of Christmas! If you didn’t make it to church on Christmas Day there’s still plenty of opportunity to celebrate!
Today we celebrate the Feast of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The said Eucharist is at 10:00am at beautiful St Mary’s, looking fine in her Christmas splendour. It’s about half an hour so perfect for a break from the relatives but back in time for brunch!
