A blessing upon the hearth

On 22 February our chimney was damaged.  It was assessed as "Urgent repairs".  That was four months ago.

Whenever we'd asked all we could find out was that we're somewhere in the waiting list for repairs.  We'd given up on being able to use the fire this winter.

Until 2pm today when the tradespeople knocked on the door.

It felt very exciting and significant.  We made a little ceremony as we lit the first fire.

A blessing upon your new hearth,
A blessing upon your new dwelling, 

Upon your newly-kindled fire. 

Blessing of the Hearth

Lord, God, Almighty Father, eternal Light and Creator of all lights, bless this new fire. Grant that after the darkness of this world, we may come with pure hearts to Thee, the never-falling Light. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.