The Donkey that loves Carols

As I walked down the pitch dark lane towards the farm, I reflected on the fact that there weren`t many cars passing me by ...... a bit of a relief as the lane is so narrow.

But as I reached the farm yard, I realised that I couldn`t have been more wrong. There were cars everywhere....they must have arrived early to get the best hay bale.

 

 I`m glad I wore wellies. It was very muddy.

Everyone was wrapped up warmly, in brightly coloured hats and scarves and some even had blankets.

My great nephew Henry, was entranced to see the cows alongside us and exclaimed his joy quite loudly.

It wasn`t as cold as it has been some years, but there was a little breeze swaying the branches of the decorated tree, making the tinsel glitter and reflecting the fairy lights.

There were pretty angels flitting around with thick warm cardis, a golden star with arms outstretched, to make the required five points and little shepherds wrapped in striped cloth which made the stable area very magical.

 

Mary and Joseph came in with the donkeys which is always a special moment.

The lovely well-known carols had begun ably led, as always, by Wendy.

New carol sheets this year.

 

We were lucky enough to be sitting alongside a group of young people singing beautiful descants to some of the songs.

"Silent Night" wasn`t so silent when one of the cows backed up to the metal railing and began to poo, much to the amusement of everyone nearby. There were some hasty retreats.

At half time, mulled wine was served with mince pies and we stood by the very welcome log burner to catch up with family and friends.

 I don`t know how on earth Tim and Anne work out the catering, as they never know how many will be coming, but they got it right as usual.

 Back inside once more, a lovely poem about the light, was read to the accompaniment of the soft cooing of doves in the dark rafters.

(actually it was more likely to be pigeons)

During the proceedings, at one point, all the lights were turned off. This was to recreate the original nativity.

A prayer was read by Richard

and Tim gave his Farm Africa message to one and all.

After some encouragement, we also heard that the following day he would be running his 30th marathon this year, to celebrate his 30 years of supporting Farm Africa.

He has raised an amazing amount of money in that time.

Well done Tim.

The carols came to a natural end with "O come all ye faithful" and a good old rendering of "We wish you a merry Christmas."

 

And all the time, one of the donkeys watched enchanted as singing took place.

Was it Rosie or Alice?

Whichever one it was, there is a beautific smile on its face.

 

A truly lovely evening.