A very happy Christmas to one and all

Midnight chimed on the tenor bell.

Inside the warm, welcoming, Priory, hundreds of people celebrated the first holy communion of Christmas, uplifted by carols, the singing of the choir and inspired by the sermon.

’Listen…stop this Christmas and listen. Listen to something beyond yourself; there’s something more…something that brings peace and gentleness beyond imagination. Tonight, please listen, for God’s talking to you’ urged the Rev’d David Gifford, who presided and preached.

At midnight, the tenor bell chimed, faintly audible through the thick Priory walls, as the congregation worshipped in prayer. Advent ended and Christmas Day began; time to stop and wonder at God’s gift at Christmas.

The gently hissing golden glow of the gas lamps greeted the 8am congregation as the first rays of sunshine began to light up the east end of the Priory.

By the 10.30am Christmas Morning Worship the sky was winter blue and the Priory glowed in front of the sheep-studded hills. Hundreds of folk flocked from every direction, encouraged Priory-wards by the glorious peal of bells.

Adam, the Priory Curate, asked if anyone had opened their presents ‘I got a magnifying glass and I saw a ladybird’ ‘I had shortbread’, ‘I got a drone’, ‘homemade lemon curd’, plus several who’d had socks and gloves and scarves. He pointed to all the names of Jesus in the carols, but in particular to ‘Emmanuel’ - ‘God with us’ - which was also the theme of his Christmas message on the Priory Advent Calendar.

Christmas has just begun. Do come along and celebrate the greatest gift of all, at the Priory. All are welcome.