Despite this being the December issue of Tomorrow, you’re likely reading this during the season of Advent! Christmas, after all, doesn’t officially begin until 24 December.
Advent calendars (those wonderful inventions!) remind us of this countdown, marking the first 24 days of December as a season of waiting and anticipation.
In the Christian calendar, Christmas officially starts on Christmas Eve and continues through to the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, celebrated on the first Sunday after 6 January. Because of this, some traditions within the church suggest holding off on Christmas carols until closer to 24 December. (Yes, I know – spoil sports!)
But I think you’ll be glad to hear that we’ll still be enjoying some well-loved carols at Luz Church. In addition to our usual Sunday services (the 11.30 am service is sung, while the 8 am is more reflective), we’re holding a couple of special carol services on 11 December and Christmas Eve.
And if you’d like to experience carols in the open air, the Western Algarve Choir will be singing outside Luz Church on Sunday, 22 December at 12.45 pm – a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Christmas has long been a season when we express our deepest hopes for peace – for all people, everywhere. In times like these, when the world can feel unsettling and peace seems elusive, singing songs of joy, peace and hope becomes a powerful way to share that longing for a better world.
Whether you come along in early December or later in the season, you are welcome to sing and celebrate the joy of Christmas.
May God bless you this (Advent and) Christmas!
Fr Rob Kean is the Anglican Chaplain of St Vincent’s Chaplaincy, Praia da Luz
Christmas Services
At Luz church:
- Wednesday 11th December at 6.30 pm – Nine Lessons and Carols with Choir pieces
- Sunday 22nd December – Western Algarve Choir singing outside church at 1.45 pm
- Tuesday 24th December at 4 pm – Family Crib service
- Tuesday 24th December at 6.30 pm – Nine Lessons and Carols
- Christmas Day at 10.30 am – The First Eucharist of Christmas
In Boliqueime at Igreja da Misericórdia Tuesday, 24th December at 6.00 pm – Carols and Communion on Christmas Eve
At St Luke’s Church on the grounds of the Monte da Palhagueira retirement village Sunday, 15th December at 6.30 pm – A Service of Lessons and Carols and Wednesday, 25th December at 10.30 am – Holy Communion for Christmas Day