Still Christmas
As we approach Candlemas on Friday 2 February we should remember that it is still Christmas.
The Holy Family has not yet left Bethlehem. They leave on Friday by way of Jerusalem.
The Crib is still in church.
In some homes and even public places there are signs of an authentic slow Christmas.
La Couronne in Rouen, France’s oldest inn dating from 1345, has had lavish outside Christmas decorations firmly in place all this month.
In Southwark Cathedral the dramatic and colourful constellation by Andrew Logan is still hanging from the tower at the crossing.
It will remain until Candlemas when there is Choral Eucharist at 12.45pm and Evensong at 5.30pm.