It's so sad that our Christmas services and festivities have been so badly affected by Covid again.

But, though they may be ‘affected’, the joy that Christmas brings as we celebrate the Birth of the Saviour remains true and undimmed.

May you experience that joy – and find peace and love – this Christmas time in spite of it all!

Elsewhere on this page you will find A Service for Use at Home at Christmas and the readings to go with it. This can be used any time you like – at midnight or early in the morning or in the odd ten minutes during Christmas Day – and I hope you find it helpful.

To recap on the situation regarding services ...

Sadly, the St Andrews Midnight Holy Communion and Christmas Day Family Service are cancelled.

‘Come and Behold Him!’ continues in St Andrew's Church – an opportunity to see the enhanced Christmas Crib Scene and for the children to take away a small gift and a Christmas story book.

Everyone welcome – 4-6pm today and on Christmas Eve – with Carol Singing in the Churchyard from 5 pm on Christmas Eve. The Crib will be in place at least until Epiphany.

The services in the smaller churches are all going ahead as planned and advertised – though we have reinstated face coverings throughout and greater distancing.

There will be a service of Holy Communion at St Andrew's (Common Worship) on Sunday 26 December at 11am ... to which everyone is welcome.

May I wish you and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year...

Steve