tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23483839236376622702024-03-19T02:55:35.994+00:00Hills of the North, Rejoice!A blog by Peter SimpsonPeter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.comBlogger2500125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-35251618768404998452014-01-09T00:00:00.000+00:002014-12-27T00:07:20.827+00:00The Last PostThis blog began exactly 7 years ago on 9 January 2007, and this is the 2,500th posting - a carefully chosen day on which to end the blog. During these 7 years the blog has enjoyed almost 200,000 visits, but in recent months has been struggling to get much over 1,000 visits a month. It seems time to call it a day! I shall however be leaving all the blog entries on-line, and have put the blog in its green colour scheme of Ordinary Time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7ylpvqI0I5mIFAMHUe5GqOAt8WTETkjc69-yw31bcH0aa5qI7v9UymDETCwL_iOQ9bziZZQVGbkgXOZHW4iOYU0PZ5dUxhDZ7Jun70DW7KkJIIL11c_Szf1HUs_Ff3GkF8nk2scH8H1M/s1600/picture003.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height =
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<br />
We stay in Winchester for our final hymn, 'Let earth rejoice! let all creation sing!' The words are by Peter Simpson and Michael Saward (Jubilate Hymns), and it is sung by the Chapel Choir of Winchester College to the tune Stogursey, by Malcolm Archer. <br />
<br />
<b>Let earth rejoice! Let all creation sing!<br />
Heav'n adds its praises to the Saviour King.<br />
Around the throne the shouts of triumph ring.<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
<br />
To earth he came, a child so long ago.<br />
Light in our darkness, grace and truth to show.<br />
The Word of life, whose gospel now we know.<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
<br />
Despised, rejected, he was crucified;<br />
Suffering Servant, on the cross he died;<br />
true Lamb of God, salvation to provide.<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
<br />
He rose again, and bursting from the grave<br />
reigns high in glory, who our sins forgave,<br />
now we rejoice, as those he came to save.<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
<br />
So on this day, O Christ our mighty King,<br />
let all the faithful, praise and honour bring,<br />
our voices blend with heaven's choirs to sing:<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!</b><br />
<br />
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<b><i>God bless!</i></b> Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-69977265170831434342014-01-08T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-08T00:23:12.055+00:00Christmas Carols - 15Here we see the crib inside my conservatory. The crib and Christmas decorations remain in place until Candlemas (2 February). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfebw396OwAIw_Rhht_KQA1XG4LCVaefjic6_HvnUtfnf9PVyKRCT3gdp3bbDvLKZTPab0nDBoFpxAWvzuwf3UXMDMCyoouOYVvvgdIob6CvMpF7vLmZgZiwzcR6P14dOp9NCoZLNdSf9P/s1600/P1020565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="675" width="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfebw396OwAIw_Rhht_KQA1XG4LCVaefjic6_HvnUtfnf9PVyKRCT3gdp3bbDvLKZTPab0nDBoFpxAWvzuwf3UXMDMCyoouOYVvvgdIob6CvMpF7vLmZgZiwzcR6P14dOp9NCoZLNdSf9P/s320/P1020565.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Tomorrow shall be my dancing day;<br />
I would my true love did so chance<br />
To see the legend of my play,<br />
To call my true love to my dance;<br />
<br />
<i>Chorus<br />
<br />
Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love,<br />
This have I done for my true love.</i><br />
<br />
Then was I born of a virgin pure,<br />
Of her I took fleshly substance<br />
Thus was I knit to man's nature<br />
To call my true love to my dance.<br />
<br />
<i>Chorus</i><br />
<br />
In a manger laid, and wrapped I was<br />
So very poor, this was my chance<br />
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass<br />
To call my true love to my dance.<br />
<br />
<i>Chorus</i></b><br />
<br />
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That was fun! Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-75756544596391156262014-01-07T00:00:00.000+00:002014-12-27T00:04:59.736+00:00Christmas Carols - 14<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXRkH5dnIDWc05AmQJTmv6Q-tA6XBVZ3M7iYrp0Mj56tFTIfS5nLeOucUmji0tqZyunjy7fh-U_CJ1L8sSsc7QBOs9F_MyetfO7BOonhs6tRYSpz_tOzdnFZBpVCw7FJuQirXEII8yqAW/s1600/P1020141.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 431px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXRkH5dnIDWc05AmQJTmv6Q-tA6XBVZ3M7iYrp0Mj56tFTIfS5nLeOucUmji0tqZyunjy7fh-U_CJ1L8sSsc7QBOs9F_MyetfO7BOonhs6tRYSpz_tOzdnFZBpVCw7FJuQirXEII8yqAW/s320/P1020141.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694838914760703954" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Past three a clock,<br />
And a cold frosty morning,<br />
Past three a clock;<br />
Good morrow, masters all!<br />
<br />
1. Born is a Baby,<br />
Gentle as may be,<br />
Son of the eternal<br />
Father supernal.<br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
2. Seraph quire singeth,<br />
Angel bell ringeth;<br />
Hark how they rime it,<br />
Time it and chime it. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
3. Mid earth rejoices<br />
Hearing such voices<br />
e'ertofore so well<br />
Carolling Nowell. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
4. Hinds o'er the pearly,<br />
Dewy lawn early<br />
Seek the high Stranger<br />
Laid in the manger. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
5. Cheese from the dairy<br />
Bring they for Mary<br />
And, not for money,<br />
Butter and honey. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
6. Light out of star-land<br />
Leadeth from far land<br />
Princes, to meet him,<br />
Worship and greet him. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
7. Myrrh from full coffer,<br />
Incense they offer;<br />
Nor is the golden<br />
Nugget withholden. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
<br />
8. Thus they: I pray you,<br />
Up, sirs, nor stay you<br />
Till ye confess him<br />
Likewise and bless him. <br />
<br />
<i>Refrain</i><br />
</b><br />
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Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-50988320629339520012014-01-06T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-06T00:00:00.365+00:00Christmas Carols - 13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHtAM4AFvba-Vr-WVJTXOqZNQW0qZAfOkIRSsAen4go6BI5FeGAwrCjYIcQKnQD3ateUHLDWKDiBCj6RkjCrN8e7y9C2J-iSmbXFPQxnj25ZOHhYrrz7dPG51pN8skP3PZ9Qqy7tqOu3P/s1600/DSCF2550.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 800px;"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHtAM4AFvba-Vr-WVJTXOqZNQW0qZAfOkIRSsAen4go6BI5FeGAwrCjYIcQKnQD3ateUHLDWKDiBCj6RkjCrN8e7y9C2J-iSmbXFPQxnj25ZOHhYrrz7dPG51pN8skP3PZ9Qqy7tqOu3P/s320/DSCF2550.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557312589980258114" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">We three kings of Orient are;<br />
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,<br />
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,<br />
Following yonder star.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain<br />
<br />
O star of wonder, star of light,<br />
Star with royal beauty bright,<br />
Westward leading, still proceeding,<br />
Guide us to thy perfect light.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain<br />
Gold I bring to crown Him again,<br />
King forever, ceasing never,<br />
Over us all to reign.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Frankincense to offer have I;<br />
Incense owns a Deity nigh;<br />
Prayer and praising, voices raising,<br />
Worshipping God on high.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume<br />
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;<br />
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,<br />
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Glorious now behold Him arise;<br />
King and God and sacrifice;<br />
Alleluia, Alleluia,<br />
Sounds through the earth and skies.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Happy Feast!</span></span>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-51745766171212908792014-01-05T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-05T00:00:05.814+00:00Christmas Carols - 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christian-wallpaper.com/backgrounds/the-wise-men.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.christian-wallpaper.com/backgrounds/the-wise-men.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Rejoice and be merry<br />
in songs and in mirth!<br />
O praise our Redeemer;<br />
all mortals on earth!<br />
For this is the birthday<br />
of Jesus our King,<br />
Who brought us salvation,<br />
His praises we'll sing!<br />
<br />
2. A heavenly vision<br />
Appeared in the sky;<br />
Vast numbers of angels<br />
The shepherds did spy,<br />
Proclaiming the birthday of<br />
Jesus our King,<br />
Who brought us salvation,<br />
His praises we'll sing!<br />
<br />
3. Likewise a bright star<br />
In the sky did appear,<br />
Which led the wise men<br />
From the East to draw near;<br />
They found the Messiah,<br />
Sweet Jesus our King,<br />
Who brought us salvation,<br />
His praises we'll sing!<br />
<br />
4. And when they were come,<br />
they their treasures unfold,<br />
And unto him offered<br />
Myrrh, incense and gold.<br />
So blessed for ever<br />
Be Jesus our King,<br />
Who brought us salvation,<br />
His praises we'll sing!<br />
</span><br />
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<b><i>Happy Sunday!</i></b>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-48861626553070252014-01-04T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-04T00:00:01.431+00:00Christmas Carols - 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1F2NpC80IzfnEy2yg-HIXjwDtORduMCrCxbt268ef-UepdCAhyphenhyphenLlBuHd3ryv7c1I03AMXZMGAYLyLvarVO3AmHCkx8K_CIvtub7h1pv-65lCl_JF7PptO8Y7imgDdO7t-4O4JfqjkM-h/s1600/P1000638.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 595px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1F2NpC80IzfnEy2yg-HIXjwDtORduMCrCxbt268ef-UepdCAhyphenhyphenLlBuHd3ryv7c1I03AMXZMGAYLyLvarVO3AmHCkx8K_CIvtub7h1pv-65lCl_JF7PptO8Y7imgDdO7t-4O4JfqjkM-h/s320/P1000638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558080968263911778" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">On Christmas night all Christians sing,<br />
To hear the news the angels bring;<br />
On Christmas night all Christians sing,<br />
To hear the news the angels bring:<br />
News of great joy, news of great mirth,<br />
News of our merciful King’s birth.<br />
<br />
Then why should men on earth be sad,<br />
Since our Redeemer made us glad:<br />
Then why should we on earth be sad,<br />
Since our Redeemer made us glad:<br />
When from our sin He set us free,<br />
All for to gain our liberty.<br />
<br />
When sin departs before Your grace,<br />
Then life and health come in its place;<br />
When sin departs before Your grace,<br />
Then life and health come in its place;<br />
Angels and men with joy may sing,<br />
All for to see the newborn King.<br />
<br />
All out of darkness we have light<br />
Which made the angels sing this night;<br />
All out of darkness we have light<br />
Which made the angels sing this night:<br />
“Glory to God and peace to men,<br />
Now and forevermore. Amen.”<br />
</span><br />
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsnfgVQuyk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oqsnfgVQuyk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="350"></embed></object>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-32808675371975660102014-01-03T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-03T00:49:06.283+00:00Christmas Carols - 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3tiEGPecG928mQHfWx1qYJ9LIy-wvoAuS6MyZpxunDBvofrBBtDftO4G9ksyMMRp8sBNE-VVM_J02OP5gwNpDHm04429xVuTG_wx3bAQPVzXJRC8WbceQ86QsjN6LmaMTC1tLNk-s5Eg/s1600/P1000629.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 431px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3tiEGPecG928mQHfWx1qYJ9LIy-wvoAuS6MyZpxunDBvofrBBtDftO4G9ksyMMRp8sBNE-VVM_J02OP5gwNpDHm04429xVuTG_wx3bAQPVzXJRC8WbceQ86QsjN6LmaMTC1tLNk-s5Eg/s320/P1000629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557618649388056162" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Once in royal David's city<br />
stood a lowly cattle shed,<br />
where a mother laid her baby <br />
in a manger for his bed:<br />
Mary was that mother mild,<br />
Jesus Christ her little child.<br />
<br />
He came down to earth from heaven,<br />
who is God and Lord of all,<br />
and his shelter was a stable,<br />
and his cradle was a stall;<br />
with the poor, and mean, and lowly,<br />
lived on earth our Saviour holy.<br />
<br />
And, through all his wondrous childhood,<br />
he would honour and obey,<br />
love and watch the lowly maiden<br />
in whose gentle arms he lay:<br />
Christian children all must be<br />
mild, obedient, good as he.<br />
<br />
For he is our childhood's pattern,<br />
day by day like us he grew;<br />
he was little, weak and helpless,<br />
tears and smiles like us he knew.<br />
and he feeleth for our sadness,<br />
and he shareth in our gladness.<br />
<br />
And our eyes at last shall see him,<br />
through his own redeeming love;<br />
for that Child who seemed so helpless<br />
is our Lord in heaven above;<br />
and he leads his children on<br />
to the place where he is gone.<br />
<br />
Not in that poor lowly stable,<br />
with the oxen standing round,<br />
we shall see him; but in heaven,<br />
set at God's right hand on high;<br />
when like stars his children crowned,<br />
all in white shall wait around.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vRuQCePY6Kc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-57237464034972893222014-01-02T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-02T00:00:05.358+00:00Christmas Carols - 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC8mfYNd3sKTUqZ1RsnZw7owGBp-BoglkOxz_B6cUQAMrOJeVWFJkJkbIG2rsgom5XSnIAtsTFBG_u4OykMVnHjfBCCZCb8sTETgBfRBTc5WHMFBNgeXj1_FAJbbmENgQzofmcuy_oNl7/s1600/DSCF2559.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 460px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizC8mfYNd3sKTUqZ1RsnZw7owGBp-BoglkOxz_B6cUQAMrOJeVWFJkJkbIG2rsgom5XSnIAtsTFBG_u4OykMVnHjfBCCZCb8sTETgBfRBTc5WHMFBNgeXj1_FAJbbmENgQzofmcuy_oNl7/s320/DSCF2559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556530300029459538" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk<br />
And Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain: And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be<br />
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.<br />
And the first tree in the greenwood it was the holly.</span><br />
<br />
Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass<br />
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal<br />
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Now the holly bears a berry as blood is it red<br />
Then trust we our Saviour who rose from the dead.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
</span><br />
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/96decVNChdo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/96decVNChdo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="460"></embed></object>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-48443147073846973972014-01-01T12:00:00.000+00:002014-01-01T12:00:00.029+00:00Christmas Carols - 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk89YsdVneb3pnCWN9HDwEUKPas1Pkz4HXd8GGsjh1Zjr46oAeXQkKahbNFcP-XdRttrwVRwcFBW7Nu-ZLbz9YuFQ8VT6C-ix7DCm46wbK_kUMmi2uZd519zRBqpd0n8HNYACRpQgVz8x/s1600/P1010692.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 464px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk89YsdVneb3pnCWN9HDwEUKPas1Pkz4HXd8GGsjh1Zjr46oAeXQkKahbNFcP-XdRttrwVRwcFBW7Nu-ZLbz9YuFQ8VT6C-ix7DCm46wbK_kUMmi2uZd519zRBqpd0n8HNYACRpQgVz8x/s320/P1010692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556257761313425762" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">See amid the winter’s snow,<br />
Born for us on earth below,<br />
See, the tender Lamb appears,<br />
Promised from eternal years.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain<br />
<br />
Hail that ever blessèd morn,<br />
Hail redemption’s happy dawn,<br />
Sing through all Jerusalem:<br />
Christ is born in Bethlehem.</span><br />
<br />
Lo, within a manger lies<br />
He Who built the starry skies;<br />
He Who, thronèd in height sublime,<br />
Sits amid the cherubim.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Say, you holy shepherds, say,<br />
Tell your joyful news today.<br />
Why have you now left your sheep<br />
On the lonely mountain steep?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
“As we watched at dead of night,<br />
Lo, we saw a wondrous light;<br />
Angels singing ‘Peace on earth’<br />
Told us of the Saviour’s birth.”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Sacred Infant, all divine,<br />
What a tender love was Thine,<br />
Thus to come from highest bliss<br />
Down to such a world as this.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Teach, O teach us, holy Child,<br />
By Thy face so meek and mild,<br />
Teach us to resemble Thee,<br />
In Thy sweet humility.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
</span><br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h2nyWpn-yE0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-11680323297389170822014-01-01T00:00:00.000+00:002014-01-01T00:00:01.293+00:00New Year's Day Message - 2014<a href="http://www.xda-developers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Happy-New-Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "375" src="http://www.xda-developers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Happy-New-Year.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
"The Gate of the Year" is the popular name given to a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins. The title given to it by the author was "God Knows". She studied and then taught at the London School of Economics in the first half of the twentieth century.<br />
<br />
<b>And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”<br />
<br />
And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”<br />
<br />
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.</b><br />
<br />
Let us listen attentively to a meditation on this poem by Fr Michael Mary - of the Transalpine Redemptorists - who live on Papa Stronsay. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E7Y_vA1xeGU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
This poem, published in 1908, was part of a collection titled The Desert. It caught the public attention and the popular imagination when the then–Princess Elizabeth handed a copy to her father, King George VI, and he quoted it in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire.<br />
<br />
The poem was widely acclaimed as inspirational, reaching its first mass audience in the early days of the Second World War. Its words have remained a source of comfort to the Queen for the rest of her life, and she had its words engraved on brass plaques and fixed to the gates of the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the King was interred. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was also buried here in 2002, and the words of "The Gate of the Year" were read out at her funeral.<br />
<br />
As we begin a New Year, let us ask for God's blessing on our Queen.<br />
<br />
<b>God save our gracious Queen,<br />
long live our noble Queen,<br />
God save the Queen!<br />
Send her victorious,<br />
happy and glorious,<br />
long to reign over us,<br />
God save the Queen!<br />
<br />
Thy choicest gifts in store<br />
on her be pleased to pour,<br />
long may she reign:<br />
may she defend our laws,<br />
and ever give us cause<br />
to sing with heart and voice<br />
God save the Queen!</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/j7ujvOWWfpY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><i>Happy New Year!</i></b>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-79290991024519393332013-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-31T00:00:02.455+00:00Christmas Carols - 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZWM04cyWrMJCR0LSaIHKBppTxHOW_IVx8m3_j9RbiLLE-4ndC_wC9CjpVVbwYLMtVIRh_E6CTdbVK1wVbp0-amu__ppiJ_HCekSb8hWWSMnBbY-Tdisbyl3dSExyy_m8j6YT4D2kzLOV/s1600/P1010685.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 455px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZWM04cyWrMJCR0LSaIHKBppTxHOW_IVx8m3_j9RbiLLE-4ndC_wC9CjpVVbwYLMtVIRh_E6CTdbVK1wVbp0-amu__ppiJ_HCekSb8hWWSMnBbY-Tdisbyl3dSExyy_m8j6YT4D2kzLOV/s320/P1010685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555849612113609330" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">The holly and the ivy,<br />
When they are both full grown;<br />
Of all the trees that are in the wood,<br />
The holly bears the crown.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
The holly bears a blossom<br />
As white as lily flower;<br />
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<br />
To be our sweet Saviour.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
The holly bears a berry<br />
As red as any blood;<br />
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<br />
To do poor sinners good.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
The holly bears a prickle<br />
As sharp as any thorn;<br />
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<br />
On Christmas Day in the morn.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
The holly bears a bark<br />
As bitter as any gall;<br />
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<br />
For to redeem us all.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
The holly and the ivy<br />
Now both are full well grown,<br />
Of all the trees that are in the wood,<br />
The holly bears the crown.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">O the rising of the sun,<br />
And the running of the deer;<br />
The playing of the merry organ,<br />
Sweet singing in the choir.</span><br />
<br />
</span><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l7eHtDtZ7hs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l7eHtDtZ7hs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="460"></embed></object>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-78785879160347587262013-12-30T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-30T00:00:01.149+00:00Christmas Carols - 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudwHSTDmAgtkWWxS2f5x9kNH3N0zp06HJYRMpEaRtHxclyzqw26RyvQzAR3GPNRHgsKpEFM7QsoU2LP8LFQ0GFqrTPed4hH0p5bMJDbX6Dc3H6N7hldl8QEWMtOXw_PggXK-DXgNGbLf/s1600/DSCF2543.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 431px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigudwHSTDmAgtkWWxS2f5x9kNH3N0zp06HJYRMpEaRtHxclyzqw26RyvQzAR3GPNRHgsKpEFM7QsoU2LP8LFQ0GFqrTPed4hH0p5bMJDbX6Dc3H6N7hldl8QEWMtOXw_PggXK-DXgNGbLf/s320/DSCF2543.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555764153773656850" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,<br />
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;<br />
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,<br />
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.<br />
<br />
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;<br />
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.<br />
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed<br />
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,<br />
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;<br />
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,<br />
The ox and ass and camel which adore.<br />
<br />
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,<br />
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;<br />
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,<br />
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.<br />
<br />
What can I give Him, poor as I am?<br />
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;<br />
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;<br />
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.<br />
</span><br />
<object width="575" height="435"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xRobryliBLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xRobryliBLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="431"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-36781752439279968062013-12-29T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-29T00:00:01.122+00:00Christmas Carols - 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7u6eodRVskJYXlOAIdSEVSf-9Gl5B7MoQ48tT1QcI1_34VCpNkboUD8wAZPISHaz-eIL55TF2R_2TomY4FojHOW5S2lCcWEmY7d2gBWj9oNKvjLxcNB7w-G4awHMH8qO1EedLavolhAt/s1600/DSCF2548.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 775px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7u6eodRVskJYXlOAIdSEVSf-9Gl5B7MoQ48tT1QcI1_34VCpNkboUD8wAZPISHaz-eIL55TF2R_2TomY4FojHOW5S2lCcWEmY7d2gBWj9oNKvjLxcNB7w-G4awHMH8qO1EedLavolhAt/s320/DSCF2548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555317567105507218" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Away in a manger,<br />
no crib for a bed,<br />
The little Lord Jesus<br />
lay down his sweet head.<br />
The stars in the bright sky<br />
looked down where He lay<br />
The little Lord Jesus,<br />
asleep on the hay.<br />
<br />
The cattle are lowing,<br />
the Baby awakes,<br />
But little Lord Jesus,<br />
no crying He makes;<br />
I love Thee, Lord Jesus,<br />
look down from the sky<br />
And stay by my bedside<br />
till morning is nigh.<br />
<br />
Be near me, Lord Jesus,<br />
I ask Thee to stay,<br />
Close by me forever,<br />
and love me, I pray!<br />
Bless all the dear children<br />
in Thy tender care<br />
And fit us for heaven,<br />
to live with Thee there.<br />
</span><br />
<iframe width="575" height="431" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MooSwjeDQXw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><i>Happy Sunday!</i></b> Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-77136922007530442332013-12-28T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-28T00:00:00.347+00:00Christmas Carols - 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaEgaZNMaVZjjSU_yeLQg-ttWKY_1FuSTtQ_L_sDPHQw6-6Cq9Lhu3ChvCEU1J-E6sGPRuLLQVW9FFEcjWbhCWzVAqtFhDJc3Bh9_vYDh5nMyTJDmPqB5DK-ip4UjxM9t55dtPK7wYk_a/s1600/DSCF2545.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 455px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaEgaZNMaVZjjSU_yeLQg-ttWKY_1FuSTtQ_L_sDPHQw6-6Cq9Lhu3ChvCEU1J-E6sGPRuLLQVW9FFEcjWbhCWzVAqtFhDJc3Bh9_vYDh5nMyTJDmPqB5DK-ip4UjxM9t55dtPK7wYk_a/s320/DSCF2545.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555085546484728162" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!<br />
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.<br />
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;<br />
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.<br />
<br />
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,<br />
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!<br />
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,<br />
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.<br />
<br />
How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;<br />
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.<br />
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,<br />
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.<br />
<br />
Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child,<br />
Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;<br />
Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,<br />
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.<br />
<br />
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;<br />
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.<br />
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;<br />
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="431" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJqgspx57C0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Yesterday, I was reviewing some of the previous Christmas Messages of The Queen. I was particularly moved my the message she gave us in 1984, and I share it with you now.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="425" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aSA-iuHXrps" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
My word, how the years fly! Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-76773821843628401192013-12-27T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-27T00:00:00.120+00:00Christmas Carols - 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcArXy2UrLYQ7IxgPZaiFLIpD9FLZ6WWwTCH5AG0yq96Z-gSLuGciJ2_OELF3IdgjpqSpBMdO5xRgcZ3EMG1kpYI2CggokbIweSCLrWbcA-JYMZagCTHeXy6jQI0bRryy9PS9xHkHl8aKO/s1600/DSCF2547.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 767px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcArXy2UrLYQ7IxgPZaiFLIpD9FLZ6WWwTCH5AG0yq96Z-gSLuGciJ2_OELF3IdgjpqSpBMdO5xRgcZ3EMG1kpYI2CggokbIweSCLrWbcA-JYMZagCTHeXy6jQI0bRryy9PS9xHkHl8aKO/s320/DSCF2547.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554708974547869506" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Hark! The herald angels sing,<br />
“Glory to the newborn King;<br />
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,<br />
God and sinners reconciled!”<br />
Joyful, all ye nations rise,<br />
Join the triumph of the skies;<br />
With th’angelic host proclaim,<br />
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain<br />
<br />
Hark! the herald angels sing,<br />
“Glory to the newborn King!”</span><br />
<br />
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;<br />
Christ the everlasting Lord;<br />
Late in time, behold Him come,<br />
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.<br />
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;<br />
Hail th’incarnate Deity,<br />
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,<br />
Jesus our Emmanuel.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!<br />
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!<br />
Light and life to all He brings,<br />
Ris’n with healing in His wings.<br />
Mild He lays His glory by,<br />
Born that man no more may die.<br />
Born to raise the sons of earth,<br />
Born to give them second birth.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span></span><br />
<br />
<object width="575" height="465"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LDPwNPAV6tA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LDPwNPAV6tA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="465"></embed></object>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-60740500272940319972013-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-26T00:00:00.808+00:00Christmas Carols - 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg211_w_ZpIe4gFPvuXI1HjwnyI_e8AyPKJ77tgSbYS4W1fIVNbQQuQXH7Cha6nSadrGjNXWd8fOiRRQy932n7HYaBDn2FoubE7W5YDgvbsWYUT5837itYpSfRkCGLA0mM-8pw7Q7dqq6v4/s1600/DSCF2549.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 422px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg211_w_ZpIe4gFPvuXI1HjwnyI_e8AyPKJ77tgSbYS4W1fIVNbQQuQXH7Cha6nSadrGjNXWd8fOiRRQy932n7HYaBDn2FoubE7W5YDgvbsWYUT5837itYpSfRkCGLA0mM-8pw7Q7dqq6v4/s320/DSCF2549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553640220219733218" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">O come, all ye faithful,<br />
Joyful and triumphant,<br />
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.<br />
Come and behold Him, <br />
Born the King of angels;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain<br />
<br />
O come, let us adore Him,<br />
O come, let us adore Him,<br />
O come, let us adore Him,<br />
Christ the Lord.</span><br />
<br />
God of God, <br />
Light of Light,<br />
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;<br />
Very God,<br />
Begotten, not created;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
See how the shepherds, <br />
Summoned to His cradle,<br />
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;<br />
We too will thither <br />
Bend our joyful footsteps;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Sing, choirs of angels, <br />
Sing in exultation;<br />
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!<br />
Glory to God,<br />
In the highest;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
<br />
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, <br />
Born this happy morning;<br />
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;<br />
Word of the Father, <br />
Now in flesh appearing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Refrain</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<object width="575" height="475"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLIdT8DFI0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLIdT8DFI0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="575" height="455"></embed></object>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-63405402596995703272013-12-25T15:44:00.000+00:002013-12-31T00:05:45.650+00:00The Queen's Christmas Message - 2013<i>I have been able to post the message within 45 minutes of issue! It brings back happy memories of my visit to Buckingham Palace on 14 July 2013.<br />
</i><br />
<a href="http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00232/F_200612_december26_232700a.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "300" src="http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00232/F_200612_december26_232700a.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>I once knew someone who spent a year in a plaster cast recovering from an operation on his back. He read a lot, and thought a lot, and felt miserable.<br />
<br />
Later, he realised this time of forced retreat from the world had helped him to understand the world more clearly.<br />
<br />
We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock. Be it through contemplation, prayer, or even keeping a diary, many have found the practice of quiet personal reflection surprisingly rewarding, even discovering greater spiritual depth to their lives.<br />
<br />
Reflection can take many forms. When families and friends come together at Christmas, it’s often a time for happy memories and reminiscing. Our thoughts are with those we have loved who are no longer with us. We also remember those who through doing their duty cannot be at home for Christmas, such as workers in essential or emergency services.<br />
<br />
And especially at this time of year we think of the men and women serving overseas in our armed forces. We are forever grateful to all those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.<br />
<br />
Service and duty are not just the guiding principles of yesteryear; they have an enduring value which spans the generations.<br />
<br />
I myself had cause to reflect this year, at Westminster Abbey, on my own pledge of service made in that great church on Coronation Day sixty years earlier.<br />
<br />
The anniversary reminded me of the remarkable changes that have occurred since the Coronation, many of them for the better; and of the things that have remained constant, such as the importance of family, friendship and good neighbourliness.<br />
<br />
But reflection is not just about looking back. I and many others are looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.<br />
<br />
The baton relay left London in October and is now the other side of the world, on its way across seventy nations and territories before arriving in Scotland next summer. Its journey is a reminder that the Commonwealth can offer us a fresh view of life.<br />
<br />
My son Charles summed this up at the recent meeting in Sri Lanka. He spoke of the Commonwealth’s “family ties” that are a source of encouragement to many. Like any family there can be differences of opinion. But however strongly they’re expressed they are held within the common bond of friendship and shared experiences.<br />
<br />
Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.<br />
<br />
As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope. For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again!<br />
<br />
As with all who are christened, George was baptised into a joyful faith of Christian duty and service. After the christening, we gathered for the traditional photograph.<br />
<br />
It was a happy occasion, bringing together four generations.<br />
<br />
In the year ahead, I hope you will have time to pause for moments of quiet reflection. As the man in the plaster cast discovered, the results can sometimes be surprising.<br />
<br />
For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.<br />
<br />
On the first Christmas, in the fields above Bethlehem, as they sat in the cold of night watching their resting sheep, the local shepherds must have had no shortage of time for reflection. Suddenly all this was to change. These humble shepherds were the first to hear and ponder the wondrous news of the birth of Christ - the first noel - the joy of which we celebrate today.<br />
<br />
I wish you all a very happy Christmas. <br />
</b><br />
<iframe width="575" height="310" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U5i3GV4LSKg?feature=player_profilepage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-77622897871946604602013-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-25T00:00:00.068+00:00Christmas Carols - 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWDlIYhExFu3UkeBp8EIA4IS_WcVxrxbQLmeGXSyz_Mqjam15Ym9kKb5tBWgWmejWssaVivAIVvah4w061uRb0iy91Lor6WWq4Ut9yf3WOZjQnc-bBoFtyiRLcwxJSiDHAyfqKzDwE2s/s1600/Birth2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 431px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWDlIYhExFu3UkeBp8EIA4IS_WcVxrxbQLmeGXSyz_Mqjam15Ym9kKb5tBWgWmejWssaVivAIVvah4w061uRb0iy91Lor6WWq4Ut9yf3WOZjQnc-bBoFtyiRLcwxJSiDHAyfqKzDwE2s/s1600/Birth2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">O Holy Night! The stars, their gleams prolonging,<br />
Watch o'er the eve of our dear Saviour's birth.<br />
Long lay the world in sin and error, longing<br />
For His appearance, then the Spirit felt its worth.<br />
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices,<br />
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.<br />
Fall on your knees! O hears the angel voices!<br />
O night divine, the night when Christ was Born;<br />
O night, O holy night, O night divine!<br />
<br />
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,<br />
With glowing hearts we stand by the Babe adored.<br />
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,<br />
And come now, Shepherds, from your flocks unboard.<br />
The Son of God lay thus within lowly manger;<br />
In all our trials born to be our Lord.<br />
He knows our need, our weakness never lasting,<br />
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!<br />
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!<br />
<br />
Truly He taught us to love one another,<br />
His law is love and His gospel is peace.<br />
Long live His truth, and may it last forever,<br />
For in His name all discordant noise shall cease.<br />
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise us,<br />
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.<br />
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,<br />
His power and glory evermore proclaim!<br />
His power and glory evermore proclaim!</span><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="431" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D5YJASeJ_hQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<i>A highpoint of Christmas Day for many people is the Christmas Message of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - which will be broadcast at 3.00 pm. I shall be posting the message later today, as soon as I am able to obtain a copy from Buckingham Palace. <br />
<br />
<b>HAPPY CHRISTMAS!</b><br />
</i>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-89847920383992553252013-12-24T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-24T10:09:10.079+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 20Today we end our Advent visit to Salisbury Cathedral - soon the night will be bathed in the new radiance of the incarnate Word. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQgz8rcSMVPdg9eDEDPIM8NUh645BHnJV5ztwPWK-p8BG-T3wicSidCAOb8wLOIIcwcMxLFuOPlh8i4Mjbf3ABy4q2PhD07fPUNJOndK2pACHo4w_e9PtkFoTJnzvF7oKbwopmFN8JhgU/s1600/P1030288.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQgz8rcSMVPdg9eDEDPIM8NUh645BHnJV5ztwPWK-p8BG-T3wicSidCAOb8wLOIIcwcMxLFuOPlh8i4Mjbf3ABy4q2PhD07fPUNJOndK2pACHo4w_e9PtkFoTJnzvF7oKbwopmFN8JhgU/s320/P1030288.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b>O thou the central orb of righteous love, <br />
Pure beam of the most high, eternal light <br />
Of this our wintry world, thy radiance bright <br />
Awakes new joy in faith, hope soars above.<br />
<br />
Come, quickly come, and let thy glory shine, <br />
Gilding our darksome heaven with rays divine; <br />
Thy saints with holy lustre round thee move, <br />
As stars about thy throne, set in the height <br />
Of God's ordaining counsel, as thy sight <br />
Gives measured grace to each, thy power to prove. <br />
<br />
Let thy bright beams disperse the gloom of sin, <br />
Our nature all shall feel eternal day, <br />
In fellowship with thee, transforming clay <br />
To souls erewhile unclean, now pure within. Amen.<br />
</b><br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qIAqZSfkJVI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-63347549232255692512013-12-23T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-23T00:00:03.593+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 19Here we see the tower and spire against the night sky.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrX96IawoAG5_FM6BzEUffK2uHqzj5L1VHvV-ObQ6U7Unr1l1Zkzr7olpslTc5YKtES8KGSMTQpwoP-w-1UlYj7Fb6qocoTcTxAzgSX3Fc5hBFlmmJ0r9DI2SlwUckMc9he_1jVS7wQZ4/s1600/P1030287.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrX96IawoAG5_FM6BzEUffK2uHqzj5L1VHvV-ObQ6U7Unr1l1Zkzr7olpslTc5YKtES8KGSMTQpwoP-w-1UlYj7Fb6qocoTcTxAzgSX3Fc5hBFlmmJ0r9DI2SlwUckMc9he_1jVS7wQZ4/s320/P1030287.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b>Creator of the stars of night,<br />
Thy people’s everlasting light,<br />
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,<br />
And hear Thy servants when they call.<br />
<br />
Thou, grieving that the ancient curse<br />
Should doom to death a universe,<br />
Hast found the medicine, full of grace,<br />
To save and heal a ruined race.<br />
<br />
Thou cam’st, the Bridegroom of the bride,<br />
As drew the world to evening-tide;<br />
Proceeding from a virgin shrine,<br />
The spotless Victim all divine.<br />
<br />
At Whose dread Name, majestic now,<br />
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;<br />
And things celestial Thee shall own,<br />
And things terrestrial, Lord alone.<br />
<br />
O Thou Whose coming is with dread<br />
To judge and doom the quick and dead,<br />
Preserve us, while we dwell below,<br />
From every insult of the foe.<br />
<br />
To God the Father, God the Son,<br />
And God the Spirit, Three in One,<br />
Laud, honour, might, and glory be<br />
From age to age eternally. Amen. </b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="425" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lWrY6hJy74Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-23483716360443541532013-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-22T00:00:00.365+00:004th Sunday of AdventOn this final Sunday of Advent our focus turns to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.salisburycathedralschool.com/content/galleries/news-galleries/peter-folkes-boy-bishop/Salcath%20-%20Boy%20Bishop%202012%20029.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "775" src="http://www.salisburycathedralschool.com/content/galleries/news-galleries/peter-folkes-boy-bishop/Salcath%20-%20Boy%20Bishop%202012%20029.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Well, one knows one is getting old when bishops start to look young. I will leave you to decide which is the real Bishop of Salisbury! All I can say is that at this particular service the Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is usually sung to the beautiful setting of Stanford in G.<br />
<br />
<b>My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.<br />
For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden.<br />
For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed.<br />
For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name.<br />
And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations.<br />
He hath shewed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.<br />
He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek.<br />
He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away.<br />
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.<br />
Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;<br />
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/J9t93_fWdj4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Happy Sunday!</i></b>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-28311765722135891652013-12-21T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-21T00:00:01.083+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 18Finally, here is the view looking north towards the city centre. Just think what a magnificent view these houses must have from their windows and gardens!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeLFSISMkWBpHyGzq_GMlZU8xkIFWr7kBb-tO5M7WzROnxHcBHKCpdm7YuZChy0LijCIidel853eYg5-PFV-fGYNji0pJzptsq_ZSCqc_4gUvgg3ajmhlJVAmdxupSPQRgDyR4pumiHh_/s1600/P1030268.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeLFSISMkWBpHyGzq_GMlZU8xkIFWr7kBb-tO5M7WzROnxHcBHKCpdm7YuZChy0LijCIidel853eYg5-PFV-fGYNji0pJzptsq_ZSCqc_4gUvgg3ajmhlJVAmdxupSPQRgDyR4pumiHh_/s320/P1030268.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b>Come, Thou long expected Jesus<br />
Born to set Thy people free;<br />
From our fears and sins release us,<br />
Let us find our rest in Thee.<br />
<br />
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,<br />
Hope of all the earth Thou art;<br />
Dear Desire of every nation,<br />
Joy of every longing heart.<br />
<br />
Born Thy people to deliver,<br />
Born a child and yet a King,<br />
Born to reign in us forever,<br />
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.<br />
<br />
By Thine own eternal Spirit<br />
Rule in all our hearts alone;<br />
By Thine all sufficient merit,<br />
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JEEd0uWnDGs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-8176896053750187372013-12-20T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-20T00:00:00.655+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 17We are now looking east from the top of the Cathedral tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzyFo-VO_MnO5C0JOhGCmIGi1cbYk-wgCZQJh9SEdu3xX3-CU4Lke3RZhlk2AW4YxQMi4uIhG4E9dGQ8Urg2SwvAfDXY6ueVEzeP6JGgoRi9_1WtWEeRfTTrNk5bFwaCKHbNMcW0SFpC9/s1600/P1030267.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzyFo-VO_MnO5C0JOhGCmIGi1cbYk-wgCZQJh9SEdu3xX3-CU4Lke3RZhlk2AW4YxQMi4uIhG4E9dGQ8Urg2SwvAfDXY6ueVEzeP6JGgoRi9_1WtWEeRfTTrNk5bFwaCKHbNMcW0SFpC9/s320/P1030267.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b>1. People, look east. The time is near <br />
Of the crowning of the year.<br />
Make your house fair as you are able,<br />
Trim the hearth and set the table.<br />
People, look east and sing today:<br />
Love, the guest, is on the way.<br />
<br />
2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,<br />
One more seed is planted there:<br />
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,<br />
That in course the flower may flourish.<br />
People, look east and sing today:<br />
Love, the rose, is on the way.<br />
<br />
3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build,<br />
Guard the nest that must be filled.<br />
Even the hour when wings are frozen<br />
God for fledging time has chosen.<br />
People, look east and sing today:<br />
Love, the bird, is on the way.<br />
<br />
4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim<br />
One more light the bowl shall brim,<br />
Shining beyond the frosty weather,<br />
Bright as sun and moon together.<br />
People, look east and sing today:<br />
Love, the star, is on the way.<br />
<br />
5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth<br />
Christ who brings new life to earth.<br />
Set every peak and valley humming<br />
With the word, the Lord is coming.<br />
People, look east and sing today:<br />
Love, the Lord, is on the way.</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="425" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FfvqqxWH0n0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-66048359672291997282013-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-19T00:00:01.062+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 16Now we are looking south towards Salisbury Cathedral School - what a fabulous location for a school! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc60zR5NA1XE-P-KJgBLVwWyw_0v7INaVF37TWrLTMegjcL1ZRx_qS_fvTuI-L5aqRq4oNZLiBWpSiegEKiAjiLZjaQ9v3zFS9mdLUIn1O2vi-Pc_l-uh0eExB-RPDuH9DBTbABm1AtyZX/s1600/P1030254.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc60zR5NA1XE-P-KJgBLVwWyw_0v7INaVF37TWrLTMegjcL1ZRx_qS_fvTuI-L5aqRq4oNZLiBWpSiegEKiAjiLZjaQ9v3zFS9mdLUIn1O2vi-Pc_l-uh0eExB-RPDuH9DBTbABm1AtyZX/s320/P1030254.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding.<br />
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;<br />
"Cast away the works of darkness,<br />
O ye children of the day."<br />
<br />
Wakened by the solemn warning,<br />
let the earth-bound soul arise;<br />
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,<br />
shines upon the morning skies.<br />
<br />
Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,<br />
comes with pardon down from heaven;<br />
let us all, with tears of sorrow,<br />
pray that we may be forgiven;<br />
<br />
that when next he comes with glory,<br />
and the world is wrapped in fear,<br />
with his mercy he may shield us,<br />
and with words of love draw near.<br />
<br />
Honour, glory, might, and blessing<br />
to the Father and the Son,<br />
with the everlasting Spirit,<br />
while eternal ages run.</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LwV8OFAYJT8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348383923637662270.post-12948583916377170812013-12-18T00:00:00.000+00:002013-12-18T00:00:00.335+00:00Salisbury Cathedral - 15Here we are looking west from the top of the Cathedral tower - the spire is looming above us!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8M4aPNoc-ZdgJ_yr68SIGMk8DS8ZJljnN504IllbAvW_WfaIo_GlGDuQEcpvghVGaSbyoEamN_RFHVWikcy-TWF3dcuFloLgwLKinl3OWaZ2Wb0yRf6oesCLgJdsPKqJ6sA4Hdm9XA41/s1600/P1030248.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width = "575" height = "425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8M4aPNoc-ZdgJ_yr68SIGMk8DS8ZJljnN504IllbAvW_WfaIo_GlGDuQEcpvghVGaSbyoEamN_RFHVWikcy-TWF3dcuFloLgwLKinl3OWaZ2Wb0yRf6oesCLgJdsPKqJ6sA4Hdm9XA41/s320/P1030248.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
There are some magnificent properties on the Cathedral Close - including the Bishop's House. <br />
<br />
<b>Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes,<br />
the Saviour promised long:<br />
let every heart prepare a throne,<br />
and every voice a song.<br />
<br />
He comes the prisoners to release<br />
in Satan's bondage held;<br />
the gates of brass before him burst,<br />
the iron fetters yield.<br />
<br />
He comes, the broken heart to bind,<br />
the bleeding soul to cure;<br />
and with the treasures of his grace<br />
to enrich the humble poor.<br />
<br />
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,<br />
thy welcome shall proclaim;<br />
and heaven's eternal arches ring<br />
with thy beloved Name.</b><br />
<br />
<iframe width="575" height="325" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nYVZfhkACrw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Peter Simpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04943176983164759168noreply@blogger.com0