Hymn with Another Big Tuba

Seven days and counting until Rudolph, Prancer, Dancer, Dasher and the other reindeer will fly over our roof tops bringing Father Christmas and a wealth of dolls, computer games and tablets to the over indulged Western Children, lucky enough not to be living in poverty or suffering in war torn parts of the world.

The Sally Army does a wonderful job in supporting those less fortunate, and it is always a pleasure to see them at Christmas time, out on Princes Street playing carols as a musical backdrop to the frenzy of shopping taking over people's lives.
Today we quickened our step to Good Old King Wenceslas.

Having just finished reading the 'Siege' by Helen Dunmore about the blockade of St Petersburg during WW2, watching the news of the refugees from war torn Syria living in canvas encampments in atrocious winter weather, and not forgetting the homeless in today's Britain, it is hard not to feel incredibly guilty about having to decide on what 3 courses (or more) are suitable for one day's meal indoors protected from adverse weather.

The Salvation Army does a valiant job helping and encouraging people both at home and oversees. A gladly given donation by HL this morning was but a drop in the bucket for this seasonal blip.