The candle of hope burning brightly

A teeny tiny thurible for Zechariah

Some knitting for Mary

A saw and a hammer for Joseph

The remains of Communion

I had a great morning telling stories and sharing with a multi-ethnic all age congregation.

Whilst researching candle liturgies, I came across a series of 'poems' by Katherine Hawker at www.liturgyoutside.net

Here's the one for the Candle of Hope

hope in the bleak midwinter

hope
like a seed
buried deep within the earth;
hidden
covered by layers,
disappointment, struggle, pain;
buried yet stretching,
growing and becoming.
hope
like a seed
becoming new life.
we light a candle for hope.

St Michael defeating the devil at Coventry Cathedral.

I was pretty young the first time we visited Coventry Cathedral, catching the train from Northampton, visiting the ruins of the old cathedral, climbing the tower (I think it cost 10p each) and then marvelling at the stained glass in the new cathedral.

Since then, I've visited the cathedral numerous times, twice to attend anglican ordinations, and on the day I bought my red duffle coat, indeed, the latter was secondary to the former, as the cathedral and its precints are a place where I can find space to be still amidst the swirl of life.

Like Dresden, a city devastated by the effects of war.  Like Dresden, a city where hope defied evil.  Unsurprisingly, there is a special relationship between these two cities and the Cross of Nails is a sahred symbol of hope.

Not a prayer of my own today, but rather the Coventry Liturgy of reconiliation - an invitation from the angels who guard Coventry and Dresden to a more peaceful life...