• While the shepherds at night were a-watching

    While the shepherds at night were a-watching
    Where their flocks in the fields were abiding
    Th’angel of the Lord came and stood down beside them
    Opened his mouth and then greatly surprised them:
    “Shine Jesus shine. Shine Jesus shine”
    [Chorus]

    Fear not said he for dread had seized them mightily
    Minds were troubled, they all worried frightfully
    I bring you tidings of gladness eternally
    Dance with joy and with me sing supernally…
    “Shine Jesus Shine. Shine Jesus Shine.
    [Chorus]

    Unto you is born now a saviour
    Who is Christ the Lord and he made you.
    He’s of David’s line, a descendent
    Sing now to him for his sign is transcendent:
    “Shine Jesus Shine. Shine Jesus Shine.”
    [Chorus]

    You shall find the heavenly babe there
    To human view he looks lovely and very fair
    All simply wrapped in bands that are swaddling
    Sing to the child in the manger, the Godling:
    “Shine Jesus Shine. Shine Jesus Shine”.
    [Chorus]

    Thus the angel spoke and suddenly
    Throngs of angels appeared singing utterly
    Beautiful music, their praises lasted long
    As they sang forth they repeated the glorious song:
    “Shine Jesus Shine. Shine Jesus Shine”
    [Chorus]

    “Glory be now to God in the highest
    Peace to God’s people” they sang without shyness
    Unto those upon whom his favour rests
    With goodwill, may this song be ever blessed:
    “Shine Jesus Shine. Shine Jesus Shine”
    [Chorus]

7 responses to “Solstice”

  1. Kimberly Avatar

    Blue woad, Kelvin.

    (perhaps with a dash of white wine vinegar?)

    And it is not the virgin per se that is sacrificed.

  2. kelvin Avatar
    kelvin

    Ah, now I see what he really wanted the vinegar for.

    Keep those suggestions coming.

  3. chris Avatar

    Naked, with sprigs of bog myrtle ( to keep away the midges). We did same in Edinburgh Botanics – lovely calm evening, affronted heron (too many people at bedtime) – and nae midges!

  4. kelvin Avatar
    kelvin

    Chris, the image of you naked in the Edinburgh Bots complete with affronted heron will stay with me for quite a while. Glad you enjoyed it, but no idea how you got away with it.

  5. asphodeline Avatar
    asphodeline

    I love Solstice. Broomstick, wand and something warming to drink!! Naked isn’t so good when there are midges about of course 🙂

  6. chris Avatar

    I realised what I’d said just after hitting ‘post’ – but glad it went through. We aim to amuse …

  7. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    I think that Canon 17b in the Cof E requires Deans to go to Stonehenge on 2ist June. Having fought a running battle with the local constabulary, they then recite the ‘Quinque Vult’ and there is a retiring collection for the Bishop of Salisbury. Then all face west and exchange the Peace with hippies etc before wishing them well on their journey to Glastonbury for the real liturgy of the year.
    Kelvin , your penance in the rain and the presentation of wine-vinegar to the stranger means that the Summer Solstice will now be commemorated as St Kelvins’ Day – assuming the Faith and Order Board approve.

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