On Christmas Eve

On December 19th stormy winds set in and dominated Orkney 

making it impossible to cross from Stronsay to Papa Stronsay.

Things looked bleak for Christmas.

Having our outdoor crib looked impossible;

 the wind was too strong.

But....

On the morning of Christmas Eve we awoke to find that 

the tempest had stilled 

("flat calm")

giving a fresh aspect to the Christmas Carol

"all is calm, all is bright!"

The opportunity is seized to erect the Christmas crib.

In last year's storm, the entire roof, although secured by ropes, 

was blown off the crib and over the nearby shed.

We can't have a repeat of last year!
Br Magdala Maria is assessing the shed roof

and calculating how many screws would be needed 

to keep their roof beams from being blown over it ?

A quick bite during work.
Baked Beans from the tin, fried eggs, toast....and salt

fed their bodies,

while the spirit of Christmas Eve 

(...finishing the crib and chapel, revising chant and rubrics) 

fed their souls. 

And so it was.

For the Glory of God the crib was erected.

Blessed little island of Stronsay lost in the North Sea!

You have an outside crib celebrating the Saviour's birth

with shepherds and sheep,

three kings and three camels!

And Christmas comes once more!

The day is done..... or just begun.

At 11.00 p.m. we began the popular vigil devotions

as we awaited the midnight dawning 

of the Daystar from on High.

Veni veni, Emmanuel!
Veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.