Sermons And Gubbins

This sermon was preached at our Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve 2023. It's a rehash of my sermon from the same service in 2021. I hope you enjoy reading it, anyway! Happy Christmas to you! Can you feel it? Have you got that Christmassy feeling yet?   However old we get, there’s still something magical about Christmas isn’t there? And tonight, when Christmas Eve turns into Christmas morning is – for me – the most magical time of the whole season. Maybe it’s all that sherry I drank earlier? Or  maybe , it’s the fact that it *is* night time – the witching hour, if you like, and just being here with you all, with the flickering candles and the beautiful, stirring Christmas music evoking that sense of magic for me. Perhaps that’s why you’re here too? To seek a small glimpse of that Christmas magic?   Even as we grow out of childhood and into adults, I think we still, deep down, hold out hope that the magic of Christmas still exists. We cling to the possibility of all th...

This poem was written for our December poetry group. The theme given was either Love or Christmas... I chose the latter. I hope you enjoy reading it. Happy Christmas! God is Sleeping "Peace on earth", the angels whispered. And for one night, there was peace. The strife was hushed  as all ears strained to hear the snuffles of the sleeping baby, The tiny whimpers providing the signs of life Of a living, breathing, murmuring God. "Do not be afraid", the angels commanded. And for once, all was calm. Fear was cast out as all heartbeats settled in time to a single lullaby, Rocking the creator of the universe as he slept, Safe in the swaddled embrace of the Father's perfect love. "We bring great joy!", the angels sang. And for once, the whole world joined the chorus. The Light shone in the streets and fields as all voices joined as one in laugher and song, And the baby in the manger momentarily opened his eyes  And blew a raspberry to the darkness. But now, t...