St Giles Shortest Day Service

“The Census at Bethlehem” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder

How wonderful it is to have St Giles Hermitage, Godshill, in our Parish! On the shortest day, or the day with the longest night, we gathered there for a very special service, and it was well attended. 

Acknowledging the painful things in this troubled world, Rev Canon Helen Griffiss led it. She had created a montage, showing a scene of destruction, representing Gaza and other places where war and conflict have taken a terrible toll. We sang O little Town of Bethlehem with new relevant words.  

Everyone was given an unlit candlelight, representing a feeling of 'longing for light in darkness', which we were invited to put on a table at the base of a large lit candle. We sang Away in a Manger.

Helen based her talk on the C16th painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder “The Census at Bethlehem” in which we could see many people in a Flemish town very busy with their own jobs and chores, worries and concerns, and no one noticing the arrival of Joseph and Mary on a donkey in the snow. Mary’s calm and serene face is the only one in the painting turned to the viewer.  She is bringing Hope into the world. 

After her talk we sang In the Bleak Mid-winter.  We were then invited to go to the table to turn on our candlelights during the singing of Silent Night, reminding us that we are celebrating Jesus, who came into the world to bring Hope, and a Peace that can only be found in Him.

Mulled wine and mince pies concluded the meaningful service.

St Giles is open every day. It is a quiet space and Christian ‘books to borrow’, Christian leaflets as well as New Forest leaflets are all available. There is a beautiful mural painted by a local artist and wall panels showing the local history of Godshill.