Christmas Reflection from our DP
Dear Fellow Members
I have just returned from the Big Hymn Sing in Ballymena and the final hymn, “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer” is still reverberating in my head. What a wonderful afternoon we have just had. It was great to see the church so well filled and the congregation certainly enjoyed singing all the hymns. The Clare Chorale were in fine voice and added to the celebration, and the address by the Most Rev John McDowell was challenging.
The Christmas lights were to be turned on in Ballymena that evening and this set me thinking about Christmas Carols. My favourite is “In the bleak midwinter,” number 162 in our hymn book. This is a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti, which was first published in January 1872. It has been set to music several times. The arrangements by Gustav Holst and Harold Darke are the most popular. It was named the best Christmas Carol in a 2008 poll of leading choirmasters and choral experts. My preferred setting is that by Darke. This version has solos for soprano and tenor and a delicate organ accompaniment. It is the version favoured by Cathedral choirs and is the one usually sung by the King’s College Choir in their Nine Lessons and Carols.
In verse 1 Rossetti describes the physical circumstances of the Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem. Some people regard this as unrealistic because it describes the Nativity as taking place within the setting of an English winter rather than that of the warmer Palestinian climate. Verse 2 contrasts Christ’s first and second coming. The third verse dwells on Christ’s birth and describes the simple surroundings in a humble stable and watched by beasts of burden. The final verse challenges us to respond from our innermost being – to offer the devotion of our ‘heart’.
Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47. Lord, may we too rejoice in the coming of our Saviour.
I hope you have a truly blessed Christmas.
With my love
Sally x
