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.

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Wixoe, St Leonard

St Leonard is the patron Saint of prisoners, and only a couple of Suffolk churches are dedicated to him. Despite the entirely 19th century windows, the church is clearly of Norman origins and the walls slope significantly towards each other as they approach the east. Perhaps there was once an apse. The bell-turret is a tribute to the proximity of Essex, and inside the south porch the doorway confirms your theory about the Normans.

The Victorians undertook a major restoration and the overwhelming feeling inside is of 1880s gloom. This isn't as dull as it sounds, for the church is neat and well-kept, and provides a document of, and testimony to, parish life over the last couple of centuries. The only medieval survival is the font, but there are a couple of nice 18th century memorials, including one with a splendid skull.

(With thanks to Simon Knott - http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/wixoe.htm)

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The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
PCC secretary
01440 785206

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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

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Safeguarding

The parish of Wixoe 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.

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