A Christmas message from Reverend Neil Bowler, rector at Bridlington Priory
At our recent Advent fair, here at Bridlington Priory, we decided that we would have an Advent of Joy prayer tree.
We asked people who attended if they would like to write on a star the name of something or someone they would like to give thanks for and place it on the Christmas tree.
It was a way of thinking about what brings or has brought, joy into our lives, including those we continue to love but see no more.
As you can see from the picture the Advent of joy prayer tree was filled with stars, each one a separate and individual joy that someone, young and old, had written.
At this time of the year we prepare individually and together to celebrate the original joy that came into the world in the birth of a child, the birth of Jesus.
Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men, all experienced feelings of joy, but all in different ways.
We are living together through times of great uncertainties, with all that is happening in the World around us. But there are also many joys to give thanks for.
Christmas gives to us all, whoever we might be, wherever in the world we might live or are from, a time for us maybe to once again reconnect with the original joy and the hope that comes to us all, with the birth of Jesus.
Whether you are alone or with family and friends this Christmas, may you know God’s joy through the birth of his son Jesus and know that through this Joy you are loved and cherished.
Bridlington Priory at Christmas:
Sunday, December 21, 4pm: Traditional lessons and carols with the Priory choir
Monday, December 22, 7pm: Bark The Herald – a service for dogs and animals, and their owners, to sing carols around the Christmas tree.
Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), 4pm: Nativity service (with donkey); 11.30pm Midnight mass
Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day) 8am Holy Communion; 10.30am Christmas day family service