During the winter months, it gets dark and cold in Scandinavia – very dark and very, very, cold. To combat the darkness and coldness of winter, Scandinavians have for long used two measures now indispensable from Christmas in all of the Scandinavian countries; Glögg and the Lucia. Whereas Glögg, hot red wine with spices and … Continue reading Saint Lucy/Lucia of Syracuse

There is a lot of hurt and destruction, but, in the peaceful kingdom Isaiah prophecies, not on God's Holy mountain. On mountains, prayer is often a constant as I attempt to keep up with (or not fall too far behind) my son as we scramble up familiar and beloved Welsh mountains and hills, it keeps … Continue reading Second Sunday of Advent Reflection

Monday 3rd December

“Item 5 - Forthcoming events” There is a standing agenda item for many of my regular church meetings - ‘forthcoming events’. It has the character of a litany, as we recite the dates of special services, concerts, social events for the three or four month window it feels prudent to plan for. We list them … Continue reading First Sunday of Advent Reflection