This year, Hinde Street held two traditional Candlelit Carol Services – one on a Sunday and one on a weekday. If you missed it, you can find a video recording of the Sunday carols on our YouTube channel here.
On Sunday December 14th, we gathered to sing in the church, lit up with bright candlelight as a contrast to the early evening darkness outside. As we joined in song and in the glow of candles, we reflected on all those lights in the darkness that help us keep our way, and on how hope grows the more it is shared, like a fire that is lit candle to candle.
“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.”
– Isaiah 9:2,6-7
The following Tuesday evening we were pleased to welcome people to have a tour of our building and then to share in mulled punch and hot mince pies. This Candlelit Carol service included readers not only from Hinde Street, but also from St. Mungo’s and a local artist from the Wallace Collection.
The reflection consisted of the quote, ‘the darkness is true, but it is not the only truth’ (Walter Brueggemann). With this, we thought about how being even a small light challenges and changes the darkness. We also thought about Jesus as the gift at Christmas, and which gift – light? Love? Hope? Joy? Peace? – we wished for the world and for ourselves.
It was wonderful to meet with people from our lovely local area, make new connections and celebrate with existing friends.
Thanks to all who came to join us in song!
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Following these Candlelit Carols, Hinde Street’s Christmas services continue through the Fourth Sunday of the Advent to the 28th of December.
21st December: 9:30am & 11am with Holy Communion
Christmas Day: 10:30am
28 December: 11am
Check out our preaching plans for more information.