Christmas Day 2023 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 14 hours, 59 mins

The celebration of Christ's incarnation at Christmas is one of the highlights of the Christian year. Each year at Christmas we once again give thanks for the wonderful mystery of God's dwelling among us in the fullness of humanity, as foretold by the prophets and born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Christ's nativity provides the occasion for this festival of the incarnation and has done so since the end of the third century. The Christmas Crib and Nativity plays can both be traced back to the tableau of Christ's birth that Francis of Assisi arranged when he celebrated Christmas in Greccio in 1223AD.

But today is just the beginning of the Christmas Season which continued beyond the twelve days to Epiphany, and just like the season of Advent and Lent lasts a full 40 days. Christmas Season ends with the Feast of the Presentation (or Candlemas) on the 2nd February.

Our readings today come from Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, and John 1:1-14.

Our Carols (a mix of both traditional and modern) are, 'Joy to the world', 'Light of the world', 'O little town of Bethlehem' and 'O come, all ye faithful'.

You may wish to have an advent wreath or candle to hand as we light the final candle during our service.

A service booklet to accompany this service can be downloaded below.

View attachment

More info Join online

Stoke by Clare, St John the Baptist

Set back from Tudor houses in the historic village street, this is a lovely medieval building with castellated tower, nave and aisles and the Elwes Chapel on the north side.

What's special?

Rare wall painting uncovered in 1948, thought to have been a reredos for the south aisle altar but covered up by the Ten Commandments in the Reformation. It features Christ on a rainbow with God above, St Peter with his keys led by the Virgin Mary, and the Seven Deadly Sins including Gula the drunkard escorting the souls of the damned into the jaws of hell. The hairstyles are late medieval Flemish.

How old is it?

Between 1124 and 1415, the church was part of a Benedictine Monastery. The monks were responsible for Stoke College and for diverting the River Stour to its present course. This would have been the priory church with no pews in the nave. The tower up to the clock is 13th century, the rest 15th and 16th century.

Famous connections

Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury 1559-75, began his career here. He was the last Dean of the College of Secular Priests at Stoke by Clare before the Reformation and took charge of Elizabeth I on the death of her mother Anne Boleyn. The Pulpit is ‘traditionally known as Matthew Parker’s Pulpit, although it dates right back to the 1400s and is one of the smallest in England – only 20 inches diameter!

gallery image

Get in touch

The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
Tom McKenny PCC Secretary
01787 277654

Our website

What's on

Christmas Day 2023 (Online Holy Communion)

for 5 days, 14 hours, 59 mins

The celebration of Christ's incarnation at Christmas is one of the highlights of the Christian year. Each year at Christmas we once again give thanks for the wonderful mystery of God's dwelling among us in the fullness of humanity, as foretold by the prophets and born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Christ's nativity provides the occasion for this festival of the incarnation and has done so since the end of the third century. The Christmas Crib and Nativity plays can both be traced back to the tableau of Christ's birth that Francis of Assisi arranged when he celebrated Christmas in Greccio in 1223AD.

But today is just the beginning of the Christmas Season which continued beyond the twelve days to Epiphany, and just like the season of Advent and Lent lasts a full 40 days. Christmas Season ends with the Feast of the Presentation (or Candlemas) on the 2nd February.

Our readings today come from Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-12, and John 1:1-14.

Our Carols (a mix of both traditional and modern) are, 'Joy to the world', 'Light of the world', 'O little town of Bethlehem' and 'O come, all ye faithful'.

You may wish to have an advent wreath or candle to hand as we light the final candle during our service.

A service booklet to accompany this service can be downloaded below.

View attachment

More info Join online

Everyday faith

Discover how we can support you to find and follow God in your everyday life.

Find out more
Our Benefice

Safeguarding

The parish of Stoke-by-Clare is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our Benefice Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.

Read more