Being grateful for a carol service for putting me in the Christmas spirit:
After weeks of being stuck inside as I recover from my relapse, it’s no surprise I’ve been feeling a little stir crazy. Needing to get out is also a good sign that I’m on the mend.
And I really want to soak up some festive cheer.
With today being the last clear day before Christmas Day (we have my nephews here the next couple of days) I discovered that a carol service was on at 1pm at my favourite church in the city.
And I couldn’t think of anything more perfect for capturing the magical spirit of Christmas.
I just love the architecture and stunning interior of St Mary’s Church: it’s the city’s oldest parish, dating back to 1377, and is even mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Even though it’s undergoing a major refurbishment at the moment, it was still a treat to go inside.
I was feeling a little apprehensive about going all the way into the city, as my energy levels are still so low. But as my lovely mum was joining me, I felt safe knowing that if I didn’t feel well I could get home ok.
Before the service began, we had time to brave the cold winds and heavy rain to have a little potter around the Christmas Market on the main square, watch the skaters on the outdoor ice rink, and have a festive bite to eat (which was also quite brave of us!).
We got to the church early and as it filled up, I took the time to have a meditation break.
The service began with the Nottingham Girls’ High School Junior Choir, and the haunting beauty of their harmonising voices brought tears to my eyes.
The service included traditional readings, more moving musical pieces from the young choir, and we all joined in for the festive favourites: O, Come All Ye Faithful; Once in Royal David’s City; Silent Night; O Little town of Bethlehem; and Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing.
Although the key was way too high for my vocal chords (why do they do that?) and I found it a tad difficult to sing my heart out, I did my very best and thoroughly enjoyed it. And I got tingles at the soaring voices of the choral members dotted around the congregation.
It was a beautiful, touching, magical, moving, and inspirational service – all rolled into one.
Now I’m feeling fabulously festive. Bring on Christmas!
So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for a carol service for putting me in the Christmas spirit.
Your description of the church and outdoor skating brought back many happy memories of my childhood (a very long time ago) and then, similar ones I shared with my own children. Ice skating on the City Park pond, tobogganing down the river bank, Christmas Eve church services and sparkling lights everywhere. Winnipeg did not have a Christmas Market though, not in the minus zero, windy and snowy weather back then. Perhaps they do now, I understand the winters are not so fierce as they were 77 years ago. I like to remember that the season was not always shopping malls crammed with stressed-out people, hoards of hectic traffic, and frantic purchasing. Great memories…Loved your pics. Have visited many many old churches in England including my father’s St. Mary’s in Charlton Kings. My collection of church photos is a prized possession. In fact, I shall set up the slide projector tonight and revisit my trips to England and Wales and the multitude of churches I photographed and entered…
Your nephews will make Christmas complete.Thanks for bringing all that back. Best to you, Helen.
I’m so happy this brought back happy memories for you lovely Marlene ♥︎ Hope you enjoyed your church photo slideshow. Love and hugs to you 🙂 Xxx