St George's Cathedral

This morning we went to our usual church here in Cape Town. St George's Anglican Cathedral is a beautiful building. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the keystone was laid by the future king George the fifth in 1901. It's large, very tall, and has a light airy feeling. Strange to be singing traditional British carols in the height of the South African summer all the same. And with some folks singing in Afrikaans and isiXhosa around us too! The litany is almost identical to that used in St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow where we normally worship. Apart from Trevor Hudddleston's Prayer for Africa of course and the use of the three different languages of this diocese. Looking up at the pulpit from where the precentor preached today's sermon, I was reminded that it was from that very same place that Desmond Tutu spoke so often against Apartheid and for equality. It's a message that was there today, still, as it is every week at St Mary's in Glasgow.

This blip is of the wonderful large crucifix hanging over the high alter. It shows the height of the building very well I think, with the sun streaming in through the beautiful stained glass. An ever present reminder of his presence with us.

no ear may hear his coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in

A happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone.