Christmas Eve 2011 saw my family and I attending a ‘Service of nine lessons and carols’ in Bath Abbey. The carefully chosen Bible readings, along with the traditional Christmas carols, proved a great blessing.
The service concluded with a prayer, which this Christmas I would like to share with you:
May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Unpacking it, we note it refers first to the joy of the angels. It was angels from heaven who announced the Saviour’s birth. They described this as ‘good news of great joy which will come to all people’ (Luke 2:10).
