We were delighted yesterday to welcome members, carers and friends from Croydon Mencap for their carol service.
We heard the Christmas story in our biblical readings and sang some seasonal carols. We also heard some profound and moving reflections from members and staff at Croydon Mencap about what Christmas means to them.
We assure them of our prayers in this holy season, and pray that our partnership maybe strengthened further in the coming year.
Today I have chosen Vigilate by William Byrd, a motet from his 1589 collection of liturgical motets, 'Cantiones Sacrae I'. It is particularly appropriate for Advent, as it emphasises our need to be alert and ready for the coming of Christ. Advent is a time to prepare ourselves for his coming to us at Christmas, but also at the end of time.
The text is from Mark's gospel:
Watch ye therefore (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning): Watch therefore, lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
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