Thursday, 12 September 2024

The Islands in the Bay – Chapter (180) The Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve

 


Christmas Eve was a busy day for the clergy with the Sunday service in the morning including lighting the fourth Advent Candle and then at 11 o’clock at night they had Midnight Mass.

It was also a busy day for families as parents made final preparations for the big day as their children’s excitement reached fever pitch.

 

Fifty-year-old Elizabeth Rodriguez was staying on St Giles with her cousin Shelagh Marks for Christmas, and despite the weather she took a walk around Hastings Lake and the surrounding woodland on Christmas Eve with her Cockapoo, Brandy.

As she and Brandy enjoyed their surroundings she was stunned to bump into her old flame, Matthew Woods, who was also walking a dog, in his case it was a Jack Russell, who she discovered went by the name of Digger.

They were both so taken aback by the chance encounter that they parted with things unsaid and unasked questions unanswered.

 

Despite the intermittent snow showers, St Joan of Arc’s was well attended for Midnight Mass, even in the bitter cold.

And to the great delight of everyone in attendance at St Clara’s, Reverend Arielle Archer was in attendance for the Mass.

At both Churches the service began in semi darkness to add to the atmosphere.

Midnight Mass was very moving and at the stroke of midnight when the lights come up to signify the light of Christ in the world made it really Magical.

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