The wheels turn

At 16h00 (4pm) the second Carol service started. Those of you who know me well know that I am not in favour of singing Carols before Christmas, but somehow because it is dark so early and it is at least well into December and the 4th Sunday in Advent, it was easier to manage this year.The church was once again full and the candles on the window sills and the lights on the Christmas tree (I still battle to get used to a tree in the church) made for a very Christmas y atmosphere. The children all were able to take part as the Christmas story was told and the scriptures were read. In between the story telling and the readings Carols and songs were sung. The candles held by the congregation were lit before the last Hymn and so "Silent Night" was sung in the church lit only by candles and the Christmas tree lights. It was rather strange and a bit sad for me to have Douglas next to me in the pew knowing how much he always enjoyed taking the service and my mind went back to last year when he had had such a busy time because his colleague had been off work due to illness. Now it was his turn to rest while she did all the hard work. We praise the Lord that she is healthy and has managed to cope with all the services. Christmas is on a Sunday this year and that has also helped.