The Light before Christmas

It’s a full-on day today - a final push to get our taste of Christmas in the northern hemisphere. There’s some last minute shopping to endure, and the icy cold of Liverpool certainly helps with the seasonal feel. 

We wander round the Christmas Market as dusk descends, wondering as we always do just why we always feel the need to visit these faux European villages of predictability. Still, we enjoy our mulled wine to the sound of vastly over-amplified Christmas songs. But the real reason we are here is to visit the sound and light installation in Liverpool Cathedral where we’re meeting up with Daniel and Solveig.  

The interior of this vast neo-gothic building is flooded with ever changing light. Some displays are inevitably rather gaudy, though as we walk through the nave towards the alter to the sounds of ‘Oh come, oh come Emmanuel’, the colours are more somber and subtle- like a medieval tapestry. 

But it’s the journey past the smaller chapels that makes the most impression. Following through dark passages, we find ourselves facing projected visions of the nativities of Renaissance masters,  the surrounding contemporary visitors echoing the looks of wonder in the faces of the shepherds and the magi. 

And as we rejoin the vast space of the main cathedral, there is a space set aside for remembrance and reflection - rows of flickering tea lights where so many people stop to light their own. One man has the job of continually moving lights from the display branches to form a golden glowing river. It’s beautiful moment of quiet and contemplation, a modern moment of wonder where time stands still. And it’s these scenes of chiaroscuro that really move me - far more than the brilliant colour of the show itself. One again, apologies for my indecision …. I’ve currently gone with my favourite image, though I know it’s technically not the best photograph! 

We make our way from the cathedral to a restaurant for our last meal together before we head off on our separate ways. 

Thanks so much for all the comments, stars and hearts for Wednesday’s Eryri set - I’m afraid I’m so behind I’ve yet to look at any journals, but will catch up later.