I'm researching my 'talk' for the Christmas Day service, and came across this, less known version of a very well known carol... enjoy!

Thank you to my long-time friend J who sent this photo of angels flying over the streets of London (not sure if it's Regent Street or Oxford Street).

Angels are sometimes described as 'creatures of light' and these surely are.

It's a great photo, and just looking at it, I can feel the chill night air on my cheeks, hear the hubbub of voices and traffic,  sense the energy of the city.

And above it all, the angels hover, mid-flight, watching silently.  I am reminded of the carol "It came upon the midnight clear."

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold...

And still above our city streets

The glorious angels shine

A peaceful presence overhead

At this year's Christmas time

So let us hear their song again

And let our striving cease

That all may know the love of God

And find much needed peace.