CHRISTMAS SERVICES

MIDNIGHT MASS

The seemingly endless rain we have endured didn’t prevent a capacity number attending the Solemn Mass of Midnight. Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn concelebrated, preached and led the Intercessions. In his sermon Father Mervyn pointed out that people often said “Christmas was a time for children”; in a way they were right. It is quite likely that the Shepherds watching their flocks by night were young – teenagers - the sons of the owners of the flocks.  Mary was probably only 13 or 14 years old when she undertook, in obedience to the Heavenly Messenger, the responsibility of becoming the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God, Theotokos. The wonder of Christmas was that Jesus, God’s only Son, should become one of us so that we could become his brother and his friend, who would, in the fullness of time, give His life for us. We needed to have the wonder of children as we approach this wonderful Solemnity.

Following the Communion, the Crib was blessed and the Bambino was placed into it. After Mass we met briefly in the hall for sherry (or fruit juice), mince pies and sausage rolls.

MASS OF THE DAY

Shocking weather, including a thunder storm prevented some from getting to Mass this morning. Those who did manage to brave the severe rain and partly flooded roads joined with our choir and full team of servers to worship “the new born King” at the Solemn Mass of the Day. Father Mervyn presided and Father Martin concelebrated, preached and led us in prayer. In his sermon Father Martin talked about each family having their own traditions at Christmas; the family of the church likewise had it’s own traditions. The importance of Christmas was the Incarnation.