Christmas 2023

One of my happiest Christmas memories was of the few days we spent in Altdorf in Germany. John and I were in a charming ancient hotel with windows opening on to the main street strung with coloured lights and the nearby church. It was mid-winter, snowing and bitterly cold. We were woken by the sound of pealing bells. Dressing hurriedly, we went across to the church, went inside and listened to a glorious organ recital.

But Christmas is not a joyous occasion for everyone. After 66 years of happy Christmases spent with John, he will not be here this Christmas. May the God of all comfort, comfort those who mourn this festive season.

I love the sound of church bells! Here are two you may listen to on YouTube: Cape Town Cathedral Bells, and St Paul’s Cathedral London.

Here are some other cathedral bells you may care to listen to on YouTube: Zagreb Cathedral Croatia, Coventry Cathedral, England, St Martin’s-in-the-fields, London, Regensburg Cathedral, Germany and Speyer Cathedral, Germany.

And then, of course, there are all the advent activities that are an integral part of Christmas. I love the carol services, held in the parks or inside churches depending on whether you live in the southern or northern hemispheres. Listen online to the Choir Carol Concert from All Souls Langham Place, London , and listen to their upcoming Carol Service on 16 December.

I am hoping and praying that my Christmas play PRAISE HIM! on www.christian-life-poetry.com will be downloaded and used this year. Even if your Sunday school is very small. It may be performed if the children only sing Welcome Little Lord Jesus and adults perform the other scores.   At the top of the page on the website you will find the  Menu. Go to CHRISTMAS for items you might find useful.

May the joy or Christmas be yours this year.
Merle
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