On Sunday, 17th December I was honoured to be asked to read a lesson at the annual Nine Lessons and Carols service at All Saints Church in Northampton.
All Saints Church in the town centre is the Civic Church for Northamptonshire and I was last there a few weeks ago for the annual service marking Remembrance Sunday in November. I have attended the church on many occasions throughout my nearly 14 years as a Member of Parliament.
As Christmas approaches millions of people look to the Established Church of England, a pillar of the community and centre of spiritual life for so many, for the philanthropic work the clergy and congregations also do, and in their contributions to the cultural fabric of Northampton.
The Christmas Carol service is a long tradition, with wonderful hymns like Hark the Herald Angels Sing- and was as beautiful as ever this year.
(Photo: Sir Michael Ellis MP with the Mayor of Northampton and the Mayoress outside All Saints Church before the Christmas Carol service)