16 villagers and visitors gathered to Welcome Christ, the LIGHT of the World, into our hearts on Sunday 29th January, we heard from the prophet Malachi and Luke's gospel, Simeon and Anna had waited patiently for the day to come and their wait was not in vain.

Simeon is so overwhelmed to be holding the Christ Child, the promised Messiah in his arms. He shares with the assembled these words:

   1 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace :

according to thy word.

2 For mine eyes have seen :

thy salvation;

3 Which thou hast prepared :

before the face of all people;

4 To be a light to lighten the Gentiles :

and to be the glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2: 29-32)

Used at the end of day in night prayer (Compline) and at funerals across the world, such was Simeon's devotion, he knew he could go to heaven having fulfilled his destiny.