Cold December days

The temperature has hardly risen above 1 deg C all week. On Sunday evening, there was a spirited Carols by Candlelight service with Jane on keyboard raising the band and singers to lusty heights of music. The visiting preacher, Simon, spoke well and to the point about the reason for Christmas celebrations. The church was full and no latecomer, that is, those arriving a full 10 minutes before the service began, complained about being seated in the Chancel where Charles had rigged up an effective CCTV relay.
Last night was the Pilgrims Drama group's annual sketches show. Mavis involves all ages from about 14 upwards. We had "The Nativity Play Rehearsal" with complaints from several 'actors', for example, the 'shepherd' who wanted to play an up-market landed gentleman and 'Mary' who thought that the 'stall' was a bit demeaning for the baby and who preferred a loan of the 'Big House's' 18th century mahogany cot.

A December evening's thoughts

A cold winter's day with a low bright sun and grey cloud spreading over the sky this afternoon; just as a December day in England should be. But going along with the commercial Christmas that has taken hold of Britain in the past 40 years. So, posting cards to folk I rarely think of except at this time. This year we have decided to cut down on presents and just welcome visitors, including relatives from NW London, to enjoy hospitality.
We will try to get out to Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve this weekend and enjoy looking at the waterfowl that have flown in many miles to find food. And to listen to carols and Scripture reading telling the story of how the Christ came to Earth.
The plastic Christmas trees have gone up, complete with 'fibre optic' illuminations. Now we wait for the Christ-child to arrive.....