Clowns And Carols As The Rain Came Down

We’ve been to two carol/Christmas services today – I’m feeling very festive!
It’s been raining most of the day, so the cheer had a faint dampness about it… not enough to dampen the fun, though. The journey to the service tonight was a bit dicey – at some stages we could barely see ahead through the rain – but we got there safely.
I AM SO GLAD WE WENT! 😀
I have been doing so much better this year, but I still have bad days. On a bad day the thought of going to not one, but two, biggish events would seem almost impossible – even if I got there, I may be too fatigued/in pain to enjoy it… Today was just right. Lots of joy and reflecting on Christmas truth. Lots of singing! The morning included drama, littlies banging drums or singing (while Mary swung poor baby Jesus round, sometimes by his head), and some great singing. The evening included drama/comedy, clowns, a full choir and band…and some great singing.
We paused to take a breath amidst the bustle of the season.
And remembered the baby, born to be King.

Here’s the story (in the words of children) that was played during the service this morning.

Published in: on December 16, 2018 at 9:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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And Still, Hope Shines…

Published in: on December 24, 2017 at 9:55 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Last Minute Gift?

… or you could try these – Tear Fund, Compassion, Kiva or Good Gifts.

Published in: on December 22, 2017 at 4:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A Doctor Puppet Christmas

😀

Published in: on December 16, 2017 at 10:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Following The Star…

Published in: on December 22, 2016 at 8:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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In Bethlehem…

Published in: on December 20, 2016 at 6:36 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Hear The Bells

Here’s a carol I don’t really know well – I came across it recently in a reading. It’s based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in a time of war and loss.
This world, right now, is not a peaceful world – even though some of us live in relative peace. There’s always turmoil if you look.

Isaiah wrote about a hope of peace, in a time of turmoil…

The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
    light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
    you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
    Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
    sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
    all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
    as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
    along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
    a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
    the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
    and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
    over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
    and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
    beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
    will do all this.
(Isaiah 9:2-7)

That’s the Hope we celebrate at Christmas.
We may still be waiting to see the final outcome of that Hope…
but we can still remember –
The Prince of Peace has come!

Published in: on December 25, 2015 at 8:43 pm  Leave a Comment  
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It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…

One of my favourites 🙂

Published in: on December 18, 2015 at 8:48 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Listen – Can You Hear?

One of my favourite carols (but apologies if you don’t like the different arrangement…)
I decided to bypass all the choirs and soaring arrangements – I just wanted something simple.
It’s a simple story.

A baby, born in a stable.
Born into darkness..
Prince of Peace.
Lord of Life.
As relevant now, as then.

Fall on your knees…
Hear the angel voices..

Can you hear?

Merry Christmas!

Published in: on December 24, 2014 at 10:07 pm  Leave a Comment  
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….They Won’t Be Expecting That!

From St Paul’s Church, Auckland

Published in: on December 24, 2014 at 9:54 pm  Leave a Comment  
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