After a lovely "Carols from Kings", always a part of my Christmas Eve, I had a brief break from interminable TV, switched back on
and got hooked on "Narnia", followed by "Merlin".
Now I can suspend disbelief with the best of them but two giant helpings in one long, long evening is just too much.
At some stage I have to gather my wandering wits and tired body into chorister mode, leaving the house at 10.45 pm, when I ought to be going to bed. Midnight Mass will see a bunch of tired, pale faced .......well, what would you call them (us)?
Christians? Some, revellers? a few, curious novelty seekers? maybe, but with one common purpose. To welcome the birth of Jesus.
Two years ago I attended my first ever midnight mass and was totally bowled over by it. Last year, a member of the choir by now, I should have celebrated my first midnight mass from the 'operating' side, so to speak, but a dose of flu wiped Christmas off the map. So this will be my first time as a member of the choir.
At this moment I feel as much like singing as climbing Everest in a bikini, but no doubt the necessary energy will arrive in time and the wonderful atmosphere will do the rest.
As I probably won't be in bed before 1.30 am and have to get up in time for the Christmas Day Eucharist at 10, I will take this opportunity to say to anyone reading this blog. A merry and blessed Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New year to you all.
