When a great ship is in harbour and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But…that is not what great ships are built for.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, long awaited Saviour of the nations: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel,who open the gates which none may shut, who shut the gates which one may open: Come to liberate from prison the captive who dwells in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Morning Star, Radiance of eternal light, Sun of Justice: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Root of Jesse, Given to the peoples as a sign, Before whom kings shall be silent, Whom the nations shall seek: Come to save us and delay no longer.

O Adonai, Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and gave the law to him on Sinai: Come, and save us with outstretched arm.

Ring Christmas bells, merrily ring, tell all the world, Jesus is king. Loudly proclaim, with one accord, the happy tale, welcome the Lord! Ring, ring, ring, ring, ding dong, ding dong, ding!

The God of surprises crept up on me this week – in more ways than one I must say!

Finally the season we look forward to so much is here! Advent at last! That glorious season so rich in …

Over the past nine days, as we gathered here in our own “upper room”, we have sung and prayed the …