Good morning all and merry Christmas from Glasgow, where its only 3°C.
I got to bed at 2am after a very eventual day. I have had little sleep, my hips were protesting at being on my feet so long.
I was sacristan at Midnight Mass,, one of the most beautiful and uplifting ones I have every attended.
Our church lights kept blowing, owing to a major fault in an electricity substation.
The church had to be light mostly by candles. To top it all, the choir sang beautifully. I found myself in tears at their rendition of my favourite, Oh Holy Night.
Yesterday morning was spent, dealing with Scottish Power repair teams, who were discretely trying to get some power in the church. There was now power in the presbytery either. The priests were saying Mass, so I was asked if I could liaise. My turkey had to wait!
To top it all, one of the PP's large and lively dogs kept escaping, as doors were left open by the engineers.
The dog, at one point got on to the altar, much to the hilarity of the congregation.I have a fear of dogs, after being attacked as a child, but Rita (the dog,) follows me everywhere and at one point, spread herself across my feet, stopping me from moving. She thinks I am her pal! 😍
I have to commend Scottish Power for their service. They pulled out all the stops.
We were all huddled in the Switch roon, when I asked the PP if he had been praying for a Christmas miracle. One of the young electricians, turned and refreshingly said: I have been praying for you too, so that your Christmas services can go ahead.
The true spirit of Christmas was in that cupboard.
Unfortunately, the engineers will be back on Wednesday to dig up the Church grounds. Major damage has been caused by the power surge and to the PP''s horror, we are going to need a helluva lot of candles till the fault is properly sorted! 😉
I wish you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas. I think I have had one of the nicest Christmas Eve's ( despite the lack of sleep) ever.
I will see all my children, partners and my darling girls later for our usual brunch, then it will only be four for dinner for the first time in forty six years. I am a tad relieved! 😉
Special thoughts and prayers for all who will find this a sad and difficult time.
