On December 19th stormy winds set in and dominated Orkney
making it impossible to cross from Stronsay to Papa Stronsay.
Things looked bleak for Christmas.
Having our outdoor crib looked impossible;
the wind was too strong.
But....
On the morning of Christmas Eve we awoke to find that
the tempest had stilled
("flat calm")
giving a fresh aspect to the Christmas Carol
"all is calm, all is bright!"
The opportunity is seized to erect the Christmas crib.
In last year's storm, the entire roof, although secured by ropes,
was blown off the crib and over the nearby shed.
We can't have a repeat of last year!
Br Magdala Maria is assessing the shed roof
Br Magdala Maria is assessing the shed roof
and calculating how many screws would be needed
to keep their roof beams from being blown over it ?
A quick bite during work.
Baked Beans from the tin, fried eggs, toast....and salt
Baked Beans from the tin, fried eggs, toast....and salt
fed their bodies,
while the spirit of Christmas Eve
(...finishing the crib and chapel, revising chant and rubrics)
fed their souls.
And so it was.
For the Glory of God the crib was erected.
Blessed little island of Stronsay lost in the North Sea!
You have an outside crib celebrating the Saviour's birth
with shepherds and sheep,
three kings and three camels!
And Christmas comes once more!
The day is done..... or just begun.
At 11.00 p.m. we began the popular vigil devotions
as we awaited the midnight dawning
of the Daystar from on High.
Veni veni, Emmanuel!
Veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
