What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • 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]

5 responses to “Review: Leaving Alexandria: A Memoir of Faith and Doubt – Richard Holloway”

  1. Tony Whatmough Avatar
    Tony Whatmough

    Like you, I found Richard’s book greatly moving. It reduced me to tears on many occasions. But one thing I’ve found interesting over the years, is the effect on so many priests of the Kelham training. I’ve met many over the years, with different styles of preaching, but there is something distinctive about them all. Not all of them regarded Kelham with approval: one described it as a theological Borstal, but whatever, it made an impression on them, and like Richard, it has been life long. I wonder how many other theological colleges have done that?

    Reply
  2. John MacBrayne Avatar
    John MacBrayne

    Am reading it now. Not quite sure what to make of it to be honest, although thus far I have detected the age old problem of an individual confined by the strictures of an organisation….and a desire to move beyond that and back to a simpler life…not finished yet though!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    ‘It is a book that must come top of the list of recent books which someone seeking to understand the modern Scottish Episcopal Church needs to read.’
    What a teaser! What other titles would you place on this list?

    Reply
  4. Allan Avatar
    Allan

    ‘Consummate attention seeker’, eh? Well, well……
    And it’s ‘He who’ not ‘whom’. Just saying.

    Reply
    1. kelvin Avatar
      kelvin

      It takes one to know one.

      Reply

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