19 December 2016

The Joy of Christmas

Well, the Christmas tree is decorated......


..... and the halls decked with holly and ornaments.



 Every surface is covered. The window sills......



......the pot plants......



..... the pictures.....


......even the kitchen table.



Rudolph is on stand-by for his busy night......


 

.... and a wish list has gone to Santa Claus.



 There's a warm welcome for guests.......




 .... and the true meaning of Christmas has not been forgotten.




Last night, Kay and I went to our local church for the most magical Carol service that they put on every year. Lights are turned off at the beginning and the nativity is narrated and acted out by adults in front of us at the altar. The Angel Gabriel brings lit candles in turn to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the three kings, who walk among us until they reach the tableau at the front. During this the choir sings the most haunting classical pieces. Eventually, towards the end of the service, candles are lit along the pews until the whole church is bathed in light. It's very emotional. This will be the seventh Christmas without Greg, he is never far from our thoughts at this time, but more so last night when the closing music for the church procession was Widor's Toccata which had been played at our wedding as we left the church. I somehow felt he was there with us.

All that remains now is for me:
  •  to thank you for all your comments over the year. I always look forward to receiving them and cherish them ; and
  •  to wish each and every one of you a peaceful Christmas time (even if that is not your faith) and a happy healthy 2017.

4 comments:

Maggie May said...

I also went to a lovely Carols by Candlelight service last night.
I love all these activities and the Nativity where all the local tiny church people dressed up and made a very real sort of tableau in the stable. One little boy was quite star struck and stayed in the stable running back and forth long after all the others had gone back to their parents!

There are always moments when we feel the absence of loved ones who have gone before us at these special times.
Very Happy Christmas. xx

Valerie said...

This is will be my first 'alone' Christmas so I know I will feel sad. I hope you have a lovely time. Here's some early Christmas greetings in case I don't get round the blogs again before then.

Flowerpot said...

Music can be so evocative, can't it? I do hope you have a good break and here's to a happy and healthy 2017 X

Rab said...

I hope you have a great Christmas and new year. Always enjoy reading your posts- that one made me feel Christmassy.

All the best

Rab