The Cathedral ‘Living Stable’ with the people and animals (including our donkeys of course) at the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem plus a ‘heavenly choir’ was blessed with good weather and passersby stopping and engaging in conversation and photo opportunities with the protagonists. The five afternoons of ministry from the ‘Living Stable’ led up to the 5 pm Family Service on Christmas Eve.
At 7 pm I attended the ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ which I especially value as the readings from the Bible and the traditional carols so superbly sung centre me in worship in preparation for the Midnight Service where I preach. A new element of the Nine Lessons and Carols was a reading setting forth our fallen state from ‘The Sermon of the Nativity’ in the Second Book of Homilies. The 10 am Christmas Service was a delight. The Dean’s facility with a yo-yo and the associated teaching on incarnation, walking with Jesus, resurrection and ascension a highlight. His sermon ‘A Christmas Carol Remixed’.
An aspect of the Cathedral ministry that never ceases to amaze me is the variety of people from all over the world who come together to worship God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
