A Christmas Message from Moderator Richard Bott
As I do some of my final preparations for Christmas, I’m listening to a recording of the Nine Lessons and Carols service from Kings College. It’s a tradition for me, for over twenty years. Although I don’t tend to read from the Authorized Version (King James Version) of the bible very often, this is one of the times where the rhythm and majesty of the language adds something to my understanding of the Story.
This year, I find myself giving thanks for all of the musicians with whom I have been paired to celebrate Christmas – the directors of music, the organists, pianists, orchestral musicians, soloists, choirs… I see your faces, concentrating on sharing the story of Jesus’s birth in song. My heart is singing with you!
And the people who have decorated the sanctuaries, bringing together what we have to say, “This is a moment we will celebrate forever!”
And the people who have made food and shared it, with others in the congregation, with their neighbours, and with the strangers who have been hungry and needed the warmth and love that is offered on a plate.
And the children who have reminded me of the wonder, and the elders who have reminded me of the life…
oh, what blessed memories!
I hope that you are able to remember, and celebrate, this Christmastide.
“For unto you is born, this day, in the city of David, a child, who is Christ…”
(Here is a link to what I’m listening to, on Spotify:
(Image: rb)