23 December 2021

Glancing across to the Netherlands, I'm agog at the full lockdown that has been declared in the country. In past years, I would be there for Christmas, and as many of you know, sing in the church choir on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Like last year, the Christmas Eve service will this year be held with only office bearers and the vicar present. The service has been brought forward to 4pm (before sunset), and can only be viewed online. I remember last year's service, with the vicar being visibly moved at the sight of his empty church.

Until then, I associated the Watchnight service there with a packed out church, sometimes having to decline people entry. Mulled wine by a brazier outside would follow. In spite of the late hour, children would join in and we'd all belt out the Christmas Eve hymns to express our joy at the birth of Jesus Christ.

This time, it will be half a dozen people, with only the choir director singing by herself. Like last year, I'll probably end up playing the video of the St Peter's Bell in Cologne Cathedral - a mournful sound echoing across the miles.