In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ conception is described from the perspective of Joseph. We learn nothing of the conversation he had with Mary on hearing the disturbing news of her pregnancy, and that he is not the father. Rather we learn of the honourable way Joseph intends to act, and then of a revelatory dream, in which an angel tells him that Jesus is the product of a new divine action, in line with a prophecy of Isaiah. The significance of a ‘virgin birth’ is that Jesus will be more than the accumulated best of his ancestors; he will be a unique manifestation of the power of God.

It strikes me that Joseph can be the patron saint of many fathers today, when through family breakdown and new relationships they find themselves bringing up children who are not biologically theirs. There is a short poem by U.A. Fanthorpe that sums up his experience:

I am Joseph, carpenter, Of David’s kingly line, I wanted an heir, discovered My wife’s son wasn’t mine. I am an obstinate lover, Loved Mary for better or worse. Wouldn’t stop loving when I found Someone Else came first. Mine was the likeness I hoped for When the first-born man-child came But nothing of him was me, I couldn’t even choose his name. I am Joseph who wanted To teach my own boy how to live. My lesson for my foster son: Endure. Love. Give.

God needs both a mother for his Son, and a foster father. A Son who will grow up to save his people from their sins, and in so doing will reveal to the uttermost what giving, loving and enduring really mean.

The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane

Dean of Portsmouth

TODAY

Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean welcome to Kathryn on her first Sunday service.

Welcome to all those attending our services and to the families and friends of George Ives and Elsie Cleaver who are being baptised today.

The Dean is at Holy Spirit, Southsea this morning.

The Service List and Advent Christmas Epiphany Listings are available in the Cathedral or on the website.

NEWS

Thank you so much for the wonderful service and welcome last Sunday. I, and my family, friends, and former parishioners, were so touched by it. I’m very much looking forward to meeting everyone in the coming weeks, and to sharing in these special days – it’s a lovely time to start! Kathryn Percival, Canon Chancellor. Kathryn can be contacted through Kathryn.percival@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

Churches Homeless Action Many thanks to all those who responded to the appeal. 108 supermarket vouchers totaling £540.00 have been passed on for distribution through charities which support the homeless.

NOTICES

Christmas Home Communion If you are aware of anyone who is unable to come to church over the Christmas season and would like to receive communion, please contact Canon Jo on 023 9275 2335.

Donations to refurbish the South-West Door Donations have now reached over £3,400 to refurbish this door. The Cathedral is very grateful to the Limoges Trust for their generous donation of £1,000 toward this fundraiser to mark the installation of the new Canon Chancellor last Sunday. Donations can be made via the collection plates, the Cathedral Office or online https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cathedralsouthwestdoor.

Outward Giving The Cathedral, as part of its 2019 planned outward giving, has made donations to: the Sunyani partnership, The Fisherman’s Mission, The Roberts Centre, Open Church (Homelessness Project), Lovel46 (Modern Slavery) and Home-Start Portsmouth (helping children and their families to get the best start in life). Please remember in your prayers the vital work of these organisations.

Naivety – A contemporary nativity we are pleased to have Pete Codling’s exhibition in the Nave until 27th January. The symbolism, allegory and metaphor used in the images is powerful and thought provoking. Not everyone will ‘like’ the contemporary references, but they are a striking invitation to reflect more deeply on the nature of the Christmas story and its significance today. A review has been published in the Church Times.

2020 Budget Information on the 2020 budget was distributed with the notices last week. If you have any questions or would like further details then please contact Chief Operating Officer, Richard Abraham richard.abraham@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

Christmas and foreign stamps Used stamps, especially Christmas and foreign ones can be donated to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in the box at the Cathedral Shop.

Cathedral Offices The offices will be closed from Christmas Day until Thursday 2nd January. Cathedral staff on duty and the Canon in Residence can be contacted through info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or 023 9282 3300.

Cathedral Shop The shop will be closed on Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day.

Cathedral Guides Our team of friendly and knowledgeable Guide Welcomers and Guides is looking for new members. The 2020 Training Course of five one hour sessions on Wednesday mornings starts on 15th January. If you are looking for a new volunteering opportunity and would like to join the group which helps introduce our visitors, local, national and global to the Cathedral please contact our Head Guide, Margaret Wilson.

Living Faith Course Spring 2020 7.00pm – 9.00pm starting Wednesday 8th January for 10 weeks in The Dolphin. Application forms are available in the Welcome Area. Please contact Sue.Chatband@portsmouth.anglican.org for further details.

EVENTS and SERVICES

Cathedral Christmas Carol Services All welcome to join us for carols and readings by candlelight 7.00pm Monday 23rd December and 6.30pm Christmas Eve including Blessing of the Crib.

Crib Services 2.30pm and 4.00pm Christmas Eve. Presents for under the Christmas tree can be brought to the service and will be distributed through the Roberts Centre.

Epiphany Carol Service 6.00pm Sunday 5th January.

Azalea Art Exhibition 7th–23rd January in the Ambulatory. Tear & Repair – The woven stories of five remarkable women by Nicola Moody.

La Nativité du Seigneur – Olivier Messiaen 8.00pm Friday 10th January. Seasonal recital by Sachin Gunga of this stunning series of meditations for organ. All welcome.

Fish & Chip Quiz Night 7.00pm Saturday 18th January in Becket Hall. Please make a note of the date, tickets will be on sale in the New Year.

Becket 2020 is the 850th anniversary of Becket’s martyrdom and the 800th anniversary of his translation at Canterbury, the new shrine becoming a focus for thousands of pilgrims. As part of our 2020 celebrations at Portsmouth Cathedral we are inviting all parishes to join in a variety of pilgrimage days and activities during the year. Each month from January to November at 6pm Sunday Choral Evensong we have invited one of our Honorary Canons to preach. Further details available in the Cathedral.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

All those being baptised: George and Elsie.

All those preparing to be baptised Thursday 26th December: Florence and Felix.

All those in need including: Bob, Poppy, Barry, Tim, Stuart, Derek, Joey, Paige, Nigel, Patricia, Trevor, Roy and Emrys.

And those who have died: Brian McCoy, Stuart McCullagh and John Jenkins RIP.

For a complete listing of this week’s notices click here