Pages

Sunday 2 December 2012

Advent re-visited

Arriving early (as usual), this morning at St. M's, thick hard white frost outside, calm quiet Advent with just that little air of anticipation which marks this day, I was reminded on the previous one.

What a contrast.  This morning I looked at the two lovely trees, lights twinkling, baubles shining, the crown decorated with greenery, ribbons and the pristine candles and revelled in the atmosphere.

It was an all-age service and the Sunday school children had been taught a simple little carol by our choir mistress and one of the choir
members.  "We will rock you", they sang, not loudly but quite tunefully considering they are mostly under 6.

This set the tone for a really heart-warming service with the Rector (not usually famous for his lack of inhibition) involving the children at every stage, and somehow managing to combine light-heartedness with an air of the importance of the day.

The choir sang "Come Lord Jesus" as the anthem absolutely magnificently, though I say  it as shouldn't.

We sounded like 40, rather than the mere 14 we actually were.

Last year I felt crushed by the festivities, this year totally a part of it all.

My mother having died on Christmas Eve 2008, followed by my husband in August 2009, I had given away my Christmas decorations and had merely put up the Christmas cards for a few days in all the succeeding years.  Suddenly this year I am seriously considering of buying new lights etc and even possibly having a small tree.

Something has lifted in my depressed spirits in recent weeks and at last Christmas is acquiring some meaning for me.

Last year and the two previous Christmases I have sat at home from Christmas Day until New year, bleakly wishing Christmas over and real life resumed.  This year I can almost feel the small thrills of childhood again.

This morning's wonderful uplifting service has set the tone for what is to come.

10 comments:

  1. What a heartwarming post, Ray! How wonderful, and how apt, that this Advent finds you looking toward new life again. I'm so glad.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I too got rid of Christmas decorations for a couple of years - then came the thaw. Delighted to read your post. Welcome to watching and waiting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just back from church to find your post, Ray. How wonderful that you are now looking forward with anticipation to Advent and Christmas after these years in the wilderness. I hope they bring you real joy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You give me real hope Ray, with my children at home I have retained a little enjoyment of the season in the last few years. However that has not been the case for other members of my family. So pleased for you x.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thankyou all for your comments.
    Have had the Mayor's carol service this evening. Huge amount of singing, very tiring, but full of joy and life.
    Need to get to bed now to recharge seriously run-down batteries.
    Blessings all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you so much for sharing all of that, Ray, it is very special. Every Blessing for you at this poignant time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Freda. It was written just as I experienced it, and so far the effect is holding.
    Blessings likewise.

    ReplyDelete
  8. oh Ray I am sitting here with tears running down my face. I am so pleased you have felt uplifted about Christmas this year. I am also very painfully aware of my own mother's horror at the approaching time. I cannot even bear to mention it at all in our phone calls.
    May the spirit of Christmas stay with you through this festive period & long into the new year.
    Happy Christmas xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thankyou Shona, I hope your first Christmas in your new country is happy for you all.
    I must say, as the music to learn - new to me - piles up I am feeling a bit under pressure, but so far, still much happier this year. x

    ReplyDelete