Ascension : Church News
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 15.12.2011 (Article Archived on 29.12.2011)

At the end of the Two Boats school Christmas production, the Bible Study Group which meets at Dr. Bill’s house on Sunday evenings, presented the children with a Bible—one in which the text is in the form of comic strip characters.

From: FATHER CHRISTOPHER BROWN

At the end of the Two Boats school Christmas production, the Bible Study Group which meets at Dr. Bill’s house on Sunday evenings, presented the children  with a Bible—one in which the text is in the form of comic strip characters.

It was so good to see the look of sheer delight on the faces of even the youngest children. Perhaps the crucial point made was that our Christmas celebration is about a real person, Jesus Christ, and not about a make-believe Santa however jolly he may be. The popular depiction of Santa Claus with his red coat, white beard, and sack of presents for children has come down to us via America from the Dutch form of his name, Sinta Klaas which was the name of a popular Christian saint whose feast day is still kept on December 6th.. Nicholas, a bishop of the fourth century was bishop of Myra in Lycia ( modern day Turkey). By the eleventh century he had become one of the most popular saints in the West. He is the patron saint of sailors, pawnbrokers, children and merchants.

Many pious legends are associated with him the most famous being the story of the three young girls whom Nicholas saved from prostitution by throwing three bags of gold as dowry through their window at night. St. Nicholas as he became known is the remote, historical figure on whom the modern, commercial Father Christmas is based. In some countries presents are still handed out to children on his feast day which is December 6th. St. Mary’s Christmas tree and crib will be blessed at the Eucharist this  Sunday and we will light the last Advent candle for Mary the mother of our Lord to symbolise the joy that Christians feel in celebrating the gift of God’s love to the world in Jesus Christ.

 Please note that the Christmas Mid-night Mass starts at 11-30 pm.

All welcome!