On the Second Day of Christmas...

The reason why sometimes you have asked and not received,

is because you have asked amiss, either inconsistently,

or lightly, or because you have asked for what was not

good for you, or because you have ceased asking.

Following on from our blog yesterday looking at the origins of the Nativity heading back 790 years to the days of St Francis of Assisi we're offering something a little bit more light hearted today. Take a look at some of the worst Nativity sets the Internet has to offer. Enjoy!

1. One of the Poolies, we do love a good monkey story here in Hartlepool...

2. How about a dog inspired theme? Not too sure about Mary the Dalmatian...

3. Keeping with the animal theme for a little while... oink oink!

4. Everyone would love to recreate the Nativity in the bath... right?

5. Why not do Christmas on a budget with this peg doll Nativity set?

6. Let's go minimalist... Mary is looking a little on the short side mind you!

7. This one is just wrong! A zombie Nativity?

8. Nativity cupcakes anyone?

9. Who said you shouldn't play with your food?

10. Last but not least, everyone wanted to get their name on one of these right? Here it is, the Coca-Cola Nativity...

On the First Day of Christmas...

God is more anxious to bestow His blessings on us than we are to

receive them. For it is not God's way that great blessings should

descend without the sacrifice first of great sufferings - St Augustine

In March 2013 the papal conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as our new Pope. He took the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi because he valued the way in which St Francis was a friend of the poor, a message he wants all of us to take to heart on a daily basis.

What many people don't know, however, is that St Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the very first Nativity Scene. In 1223 he was visiting the town of Grecio to celebrate Christmas but the chapel here was too small so he set up an altar in the town. He made a manger with an Ox and Ass beside to help re-enact the Nativity for the people of Grecio and told them all about Jesus birth. This was the very first 'live' Nativity 790 years ago, something that has now become common place in schools and churches around the world.

When you look at the Nativity scene you have at home or you see in church spend a little bit of time thinking about how each of the people involved in the very first Nativity, the birth of Jesus, actually felt. What did Mary think after her special child was born? What role did Joseph feel he would play in bringing up the baby boy? What about the shepherds and the wise men, two vastly different groups in society but each so important in the birth of Jesus.

A couple of weeks ago some of our young people were involved in a Nativity Flashmob in Newcastle Central Station, Durham City and Hartlepool Town Centre. What better way to start our 12 Days of Christmas reflection than by enjoying a video showing footage of the Nativity in Central Station.

Video from RCDHN.org.uk

Happy Christmas Everyone!

A light shall shine upon us this day: for the Lord is born to us:
and He shall be called Wonderful, God, the Prince of Peace, the Father
of the world to come: of whose reign there shall be no end.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

- Luke 2:1-14

6th Form Retreat continued...

This afternoon we have been talking about the pressures that distract us in life, the things from our past that hold us back and the things in our future that worry us. We have been looking at how we need to live in the present moment and take the opportunities that are offered to us to give us peace in among all those things that stress us out. It's been really good and we are just about to have a huge discussion on really heavy issues that affect us in the culture we live in today.

 

 

 

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EMS 6th Form Retreat 2013

Here we are at the Youth Village with 35 fantastic students on retreat at the Youth Village. This time away is so beneficial for the students that choose to come. They've spent a morning getting to know each other better and if I told you they've been screaming like goats you wouldn't believe me right?

The theme of the retreat is 'Tapestry' and will be looking into how God weaves and becomes present to us in our lives...watch this space! Oh, did you see Eleanor Bowman? She not actually 'on retreat' but she is leading it with YMT! lovely to see you Eleanor!

 

 

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Ampleforth Dance Off

The review videos from our retreat will be coming over the next few days but in the mean time here is something to enjoy from Miss Malcolmson's Big Night In!