It was with some excitement that I went to Brentwood, once again, for the Christmas Magic event on the last Saturday in November.
But, for me, what a disappointment! It was not just the rather miserable and cold-inducing blue and white lights (what happened to those yellows, greens, reds and oranges of earlier years?) but the general lack of "Joy". Canned music and a single stage with some lass trying to keep warm with her desperate gyrations. Where were the live carols and the children - in short, the spirit of Christmas in Brentwood?
In South Weald, though, it has been so upliftingly different. First, I had the delight of our school's Infant Nativity last Tuesday to rediscover the true Christmas with the children traditionally attired as angels, shepherds, kings etc and singing with joy of the "Miracle Child" come to earth bringing those opportunities for Love, Joy and Peace. The theme was continued with the Christingle yesterday and it will, I am sure, be the same with the end of term service this Friday, to which I am so looking forward. Then it is on to Nine Lessons, Carol singing around the parish and the Crib Service (two chances this year) on Christmas Eve.
May your South Weald Christmas bring you all Love, Joy and Peace - both now and for 2010
Chris Luck (Chair of Governors)
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