After the shortest day ...

Only six hours of daylight today, and none of them particularly bright. But our ancestors especially must have treasured this time when they could look forward to the return of the sun, and I find the conjunction of the Christian faith that the Christ-child will come with the darkness here on what someone once called the penumbra of Europe very powerful. 

So it seemed entirely right that this late afternoon we were rehearsing with three friends for the Midnight service on Christmas Eve and singing James Macmillan's antiphon for 21 December "O Radiant Dawn". I've sung it before at midnight, standing at the back of the dark church before everyone's candles have been lit, pouring this lovely music into the darkness.

I have to say, however, that every year it is the rehearsal that I really enjoy. We have few occasions to get together in this particular group, and the blend and musical expertise shared is almost enough to see me through another year. Even singing in our sitting room - because the church really is a cold place to rehearse in - is a pleasure. And it sounds rather fine.

I'm very lucky.