Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve

I sit in comfortable darkness, knowing that you will soon arrive. Make me ready to receive your blessings and share the good news of your arrival. Come soon, Holy One. Amen
Beth A. Richardson, The Uncluttered Heart

People entered the church through the front and the back. Meeting, mingling, talking, laughing, bulletins were handed out and people found their seats.

Piano music playing while the acolytes brought in the light of Christ.

The pastor said a prayer and read the Christmas story from the Bible alternating with corresponding Christmas songs. We sang a lot of our favorites: O Come O Come Emmanuel, What Child is This, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, and We Three Kings.

The ritual of Holy Communion. On the lighter side, my six-year-old grandson said, "These crackers don't have any salt on them."

In the dark we sang Silent Night, Holy Night and passed light around the sanctuary candle by candle. The people walked out of the church singing, the wind blew out each candle, we huddled together as the pastor said a closing prayer.

Hugs and Merry Christmas wishes, "I'll see you Sunday!" "Good Night!"

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