Hallelujah!

Tonight I attended the Fairfield Carol Service, and while Northbridge High School students are presenting their Holiday Concert, and I have often enjoyed some wonderful harmonious melodies at home to celebrate the holiday season- the Carol Service was an experience unlike anything I have ever experienced in a school setting.

There is something to be said for the intertwining of school and church - unlike the U.S. where the pride very much lies in separation of church and state, which prevents public schools from using terms like "Merry Christmas" and instead resort to using "Happy Holidays"; the secularism in our U.S. schools prevents us from having something as wonderful as this Carol Service.

The performance of Silent Night was especially poignant and brought tears to many eyes in the hall. A combination of readings from the Bible, Christmas carols, blessing and prayer honors the true meaning of Christmas; something that is all too often lacking in our society and our schools. Micaela and I truly enjoyed the student choir, orchestra and singalong's by the congregation.

It has also been nice to see the school decorated for Christmas; complete with trees, candles, wreaths and mistletoe.

It should not go unnoticed that once again Kath and Josie prepared a delicious meal of roast turkey and all the fixings- along with some Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. Thank you again for feeding us before this wonderful service.

Below is a performance by the Fairfield High School choir and orchestra of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus which was performed during the Christmas Carol Concert held the next day in school.