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Medieval cathedral’s are magnificent places. Today, the life in most of them is very different from when they were built. The West end of a cathedral was usually built on ground level and was a vast space for perhaps more common – or more secular – activities. For someone visiting a cathedral it was like the start of a mini-pilgrimage. The busy life of a market square with its noises was left behind and they saw the cathedral rising up, reaching towards the heavens. As they were moving on, secular was replaced with sacred: the quire and the high altar gave to a visitor a small glimpse of heaven: its beauty and peace.
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One archbishop once told that when seated in the Chair of St Augustine, high above the High Altar in Canterbury Cathedral, they have a direct view to the stained glass window above the main entrance, at the Great West Door. At the same eye level with the archbishop’s seat in that stained glass window above the West Door is Adam. This is a good reminder to us about the purpose of Jesus’ birth. The message of Christmas is not that we need to become super- humans. Or that there is a one-and-only way of celebrating it. The message of Christmas is that Christ came to restore humanity – to make it possible for us to live our lives as was the original intention of God: in harmony and peace with each other and with God’s creation. And above all, to reconcile us with God, that is to re-built that connection and relationship which we have with God.
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'In thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight' (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
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After almost two year in pandemic, many hopes – and fears – were put on this Christmas. Many are able to see their loved ones after a long time. For many, the long-expected re-union has turned into fears of not being able to meet in person. The prayers of the whole Church, visible and invisible, are with all of you this Christmas.
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For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King
and peace to all the earth. (O Little Town of Bethlehem v. 2 by Phillips Brooks)
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Christ is with us! Happy Christmas!
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SATURDAY 25th DECEMBER- CHRISTMAS DAY
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12 noon Eucharist at Mikael Agricola
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SUNDAY 26TH DECEMBER - FEAST OF ST STEPHEN
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10am Eucharist at Mikael Agricola
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Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard van Honthorst
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your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary
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for us and for our salvation:
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which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth;
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may all who see it be strengthened in faith
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and receive the fullness of life he came to bring,
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who is alive and reigns for ever.
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The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2.1-14)
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In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
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In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
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Covid Alert
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Earlier this week we sent out a Covid alert for those who attended the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. We have since learned that there is no evidence relating any covid cases directly to the carol service itself.
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All-Age Service
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Thank you to all the children for their wonderful nativity play last Sunday! Set in the modern day, the birth took place in a ‘Hotel Inn Express’.. and as all the rooms were booked the manager’s office had to suffice! Thank you to Jane for organising and directing the play for us. We also sang along to some lovely Carols with Joel and made Christingle oranges; these help us to remember the light that Christ’s birth brought into the world! We lit each other’s christingles as a reminder that God wants us to share his light with others
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We wish you a Happy and Blessed Christmas! Thank you to Frances for drawing this beautiful Christmas card for us all...
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![CardFrances015[3353]](https://www.anglican.fi/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CardFrances0153353-1320x942.jpg)
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SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP
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Sunday School and Youth Group resume on January 16th, after the school Christmas holiday. Merry Christmas to all the children and their families, and thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
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Sunday School takes place on Sundays at 10am in the crypt! Please wash and sanitize hands on arrival.
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SAVE THE DATE!
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12 noon Eucharist, Christmas Day
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10am Eucharist, St Stephen's Day
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Evensong at Töölön Kirkko
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SUPPORTING US
Your continued support is greatly appreciated, please consider donating towards our ongoing costs via our Donate buttons on our website or by means of a bank transfer using the details below:
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Suomen Anglikaaninen Kirkko (The Anglican Church in Finland)
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IBAN: FI73 3131 1000 3282 07
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You can also use Mobile Pay to make a donation, using number 95789.
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PRAY WITH US
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in the stillness of this night
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you sent your almighty Word
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to pierce the world's darkness with the light of salvation:
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give to earth the peace that we long for
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and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven
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through our Saviour Jesus Christ
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Father Tuomas Mäkipää (050-3099132)
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Sarah Tahvanainen ( Safeguarding Assistant)
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[Please use the contact emails provided]
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