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Everyone knows that it was on the feast of Stephen that ‘good king Wenceslas looked on’.  After all, it’s in a Christmas carol – but why? There’s nothing about Christmas in it: a splendid young page who rustled up some flesh, wine and logs, an old man out in the snow (’deep and crisp and...

The temperatures are dropping now, and it is a good idea to nurture your car battery. Cold, damp weather can make it as reluctant as you are to get going in the morning. The RAC recommends the following to take best care of your battery: Before you switch off your engine at the end of...

A new memorial event has taken place in Snowdonia to remember those who have died on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the surrounding peaks. The gathering, titled Cysgod yr Wyddfa (‘In Yr Wyddfa’s Shadow’), was held at Nant Peris Church. It had been organised by the Revd Naomi Starkey, Ministry Area Leader for Bro Eryri, following a series...

Most of us probably know that on December 26th (the Feast of Stephen) ‘Good king Wenceslas’ looked out, writes David Winter. We probably also know that the snow lay round about, ‘deep and crisp and even’. Beyond that, he’s just someone in a carol that’s not often sung nowadays. However, Wenceslas was a real person,...

You may have noticed that the Minister who officiates at Church Services may wear a long, thin scarf which is called a stole. This can be white, purple, red or green. White is for festive occasions like Christmas and Easter, christenings and weddings. Purple is worn during Advent and Lent, when we bring to mind our...

One of the highlights of the Christmas services is the reading of the opening passage from John’s Gospel, ‘In the beginning was the Word …’ I love the poetry of the words and sentences, as well as their very meaning. In most churches everyone will stand for that reading, which emphasises its importance. But what...

The Incarnation The incarnation of Christ is the clearest affirmation of the truth that man is created in the image of God. – Lawrence Adams To perceive Christmas through its wrapping becomes more difficult each year. – E B White This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, A Baby in...

If you are travelling far this Christmas, pray that your satnav works, or that there is a woman in the car. Research has found that men are so reluctant to ask directions that they waste hours and miles every year. Over a lifetime of travel, it can work out to a wasted journey from Land’s...

**  True story The nativity play was going as planned and Joseph and Mary were going from ‘house’ to ‘house’ knocking on the doors and asking it there was any room for them. As they continued to get ‘no room’ answers, a little voice called from the back of the church: “You should have booked!” ...

Each month during this year we have visited art galleries and museums in England that are often overlooked by the tourist trail, but which contain treasures that can inspire and deepen our Christian faith. Our final visit in this series is to a gracious, elegant Georgian villa rejoicing in the odd name of the Ranger’s...

We are going with multiple choice questions this year. No “ask a friend” or “phone the audience”, sorry. No prizes for pointless answers or can you beat the chaser. Ashley, Bert and Conall were: Names of storms Names of Eurovision entrant Names of footballers There was a re-wilding lynx project this year. Was it: A...

In his gospel, Luke tells how the shepherds in the fields were keeping watch over their flocks when they were terrified by the sudden arrival of heavenly angels, surrounded by the glory of the Lord. And the message of the angel that night has rung down the centuries: “I bring you good news that will...