Tuesday 6 January 2026
I’m still quite new to Holy Day’s of Obligation. I expected the church to be full tonight, but it wasn’t.
Is it because people are at work or commuting home? I suppose some might think to skip it and ask for God’s forgiveness in confession.
Anyway, Canon P informed us that it was cold in Bethlehem tonight, but not as cold as we were. Two degrees outside, considerably cooler than Israel on the day Jesus was presented to the Magi. Funny how I just assumed they’d be warm after crossing a desert.
I take great comfort in Canon P’s manner. His humour is very human. Not a comedian, but the type of man who can be jolly, and kind in his words and his thoughts. Seeking to unite parishioners with God rather than impress them.
Perhaps I haven’t got that description exactly right. But I feel lucky to have him as my priest, and to have got to know him a little over the best part of a year now.
We rattled off another rendition of We Three Kings, the high notes forcing me to drop an octave from time to time, creating an almost yodelling effect. Then it was back out in to the cold, and home.
Why would anyone want to miss this?