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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Hundon, All Saints

This is a large, Perpendicular building, finished not long before the Reformation. No doubt it enjoyed all the ups and downs of the 17th Century religious wars, the long 18th Century sleep of the Church of England, and the vibrancy and energy of the 19th Century revival. But it is hard to tell now, because the church was completely destroyed by fire one night in February 1914, shortly before the outbreak of the Great War. 

The interior successfully retains a sense of the past, and heavens be praised the windows are all full of clear glass. There is plenty of open space of course, but intriguing little details - a wheatsheaf salvaged from an 18th Century memorial, the south chancel aisle panelled with dark wood from the vicarage, surviving roof timbers forming a cross in the south aisle.

A wide, light, simple interior, then, ideally suited for modern Anglican spirituality.

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


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The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
PCC treasurer
01440 786629

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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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The parish of Hundon 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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