The chill of the night is relieved by the warmth of the beasts
in their stalls, prompting Mary and Joseph reflect on the promises of Scripture.
50
The Firebird’s Nest
Attributed toCynewulf
Like the legendary phoenix, the Christian must spend his life making
a nest fit for his rebirth in fire.
51
Christmas Under Cromwell
ByJohn Evelyn
In 1657, Sir John Evelyn celebrated Christmas in a church for the
first time in years. Unfortunately, someone told the authorities what he was doing.
52
Surrey vs Hampshire
FromSporting Magazine
‘Rain stopped play’ but it did not stop the ladies of Surrey and Hampshire from finishing their epic struggle at the Newington ground.
53
Time Itself Will Ruin Us
BySir John Eliot
Sir John Eliot told the Commons that what worried him
wasn’t the sabre-rattling of foreign leaders, it was incompetence and corruption at home.
54
The Making of England
FromThe Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
In 917, King Edward embarked on a swashbuckling tour
of the midlands, and brought their towns under one crown for the first time in five hundred years.
