A Synopsis

The church is decorated for a great banquet.  Upon entering, our guests are greeted by a brass ensemble,  a mime, strolling carolers and musicians, jugglers, gargoyles, a rogue, a puppeteer, a bell choir and jesters, recalling the Christmas entertainments on barges in the Thames River provided by the Lord Mayor of the city of London.  These festivities originated in the late 15th century and continue to this day.  

Bagpipers catch our attention and we watch a traditional highland dance.  The festival begins!  A drummer announces the high king and queen who lead a procession of lords and ladies to the majestic "Earle of Oxford's March," written by William Byrd in the 16th Century for just such an occasion.

A fanfare announces the Herald, who proclaims the Boar's Head, symbolic of Christ's triumph over evil; and a great procession of cooks and staff bring forth the great feast.  This year, visitors from Portugal arrive with their entourage entertaining those assembled with popular song and dance from the region.  Then follow King Wenceslas and his page reminding us to help those in need, and woodsmen with the Yule log, which represents the rekindling of love.  The festival builds in intensity to a rousing rendition of "Deck the Hall."  Then as the lights dim, the manor hall becomes a great cathedral for the worship of the newborn King.

We hear a grand "Gloria" as we prepare ourselves for the Epiphany.  A small child brings a lighted candle into the darkened church, symbolizing the coming of the light of Christ.  We watch for the arrival of Mary and Joseph as we listen to the simple melodies of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Once in Royal David's City".  The shepherds search for and find the holy family, and the three kings arrive in all their majesty and splendor, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

When all have assembled, they kneel in adoration of the Lord of Lords, as the church is darkened and the Epiphany star shines brightly.  The Yule sprite returns and together the child and a simple monk of the church lift up and carry forth Christ's light to all people.