Across

1 Hymn tune which could make Sid feel sedate (6,7)

7 Wise man to draw breath in amazement on arrival (6)

8 Small number having happy Christmas (6)

9 Tempts everybody with devilish ruse (7)

11 Fellow of generous disposition — now there’s good news for all ___! (7)

13 Boy, 8 (4)

15 Love to people shown in a sign (4)

21 Anger so out of control — not fruit of the Spirit (7)

22 “___ thou goest I will go” (Ruth 1: 16, AV) (7)

23 Relating to a morning service in which mum can feature (5)

24 Girl’s song now being heard? (5)

25 Gin now on sale maybe to bring seasonal bonhomie? (9,6)

28 Cheap and ostentatious like Christmas tree decorations? (6)

29 Like the Pope, free from coarseness (6)

Down

1 God’s messengers held by gang elsewhere (6)

2 Methodist preacher using rambling prose? (5)

3 Sin brings an element of terror (3)

4 Fashionable northern bar with limited accommodation? (3)

5 A chap may have red wine — but avoid the extremes! (5)

6 This night we celebrate as 24-singers — enlist for wandering around (6)

10 Vessel from Abraham’s city, last thing found in excavation (3)

12 The family makes one of the three travellers stop short (3)

14 Strains go out from church musicians perhaps (9)

16 Bishop’s cope is silly on friend (9)

17 Some rays are funny when placed round head of saint (6)

18 Letter from bishop of bygone days (spoken) (8)

19 Strange arch, very French, in cathedral city (8)

20 Alter introduction to “Messiah” in arrangement for band (6)

26 Peter e.g. with yen to follow master (3)

27 Present, very big, put up on piano (3)

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