Monday, December 21, 2009

A Winter's Eve

Sunday, December 20, 2009
Compo Beach, Westport, Connecticut.
The day after the storm where we got about a foot of snow.
It's very festive, isn't it?
Those cannons mark the spot where 2000 British soldiers landed.
They ended up losing that war.
I know this because I don't have a British accent.
Sunday evening.
Compline at St. Paul's on the Green.

In the early Christian church, monastic desert communities continued the Jewish practice of prayer at principal hours of the day. The evening service symbolized the light of Christ in the darkness of the world. Compline is taken from the Latin word completorium meaning “completion of the day.” At St. Paul's, Compline is sung in the church, lit by hundreds of candles as incense burns before an icon and chant soars through the arches of the nave.

Compline is sung every Sunday evening at 9 PM and lasts twenty minutes. In addition to Gregorian chant, at least one motet is sung each week.

I wish everybody could come to this with me.

It's a wonderful way to finish a busy day.

And last night, we also celebrated to Winter Solstice.
This makes me especially happy.
That's because after today, the days start getting longer.

23 comments:

I Am Woody said...

I wish I could go with you, too!!

Three Birds Inspired said...

How wonderful that you have a local parish that celebrates Compline every week.

Keetha said...

How, just, OH. Lovely. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

I love the tutorial, and I love practicing my faith especially during Advent.

Patty said...

Happy first day of winter. Cold here, around 29 at the moment and it's getting close to lunch time. Your snow photo is very nice, I love to look at them, but hate being out in it. LOL

Unknown said...

I needed so very much to come here and feel peaceful...just lovely.

big hair envy said...

What a wonderful tradition! Since I couldn't be there to join you, I'll think of you during our Christmas Eve Candlelight service:) Church was closed yesterday because of the snow...I missed it:(

Daryl said...

Even going into that glorious church when nothing was going on was extremely special ... I am sure that being there for a service is moving both spiritually and emotionally

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Wish I could have been there! How lovely.
ps- I am all about the days getting longer!
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joanne said...

absolutely beautiful....

Hilary said...

A beauty of a post, MPM.. I wish we could join you too. Enjoy it for all of us.

Debbie said...

And I wish I could have gone with you to hon. So beautiful...

Tammy said...

So beautiful! Happy Solstice to you!

Country Girl said...

The shortest day, the sun at its lowest arc. I took photos with very very long shadows today. And I was happy, too.

Thinking of you . . .

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Beautiful, especially the church.

I am so glad to hear the days will start getting longer. So, so glad.

Susan English Mason said...

Beautiful post!

Nancy said...

Sounds so lovely.

judi/Gmj said...

Ahhhchoo! incense effect, but beautiful.

Nurse Nancy said...

Creates a wonderful sense of peace at a crazy time of year. Thanks for sharing the beautiful images.

Land of shimp said...

That was a lovely post, and your church looks beautiful and inspiring! What a wonderful way to spend the solstice, thank you for sharing the pictures with us.

May the coming season bring you much joy :-)

Delora said...

Your lovely pictures and words are getting me in the mood for the first time this season, Miss Ives. Que es un montet???

Diane said...

What a peaceful post, MPM. Thanks for sharing it all with us!

Mary said...

I wish I could hear that sometime, too. I'll bet it is beautiful. Hoping you and your family have a very happy Christmas, Lauren, and a joyous new year!
xoxo,
Mary