Wishing you a festive Christmas Eve! This night has always held much anticipation for me. Seeing family, giving gifts, taking photos, sharing photos, enjoying meals with loved ones, reading stories of Christmas, and watching Christmas movies all make this time of year special, and this night exciting with anticipation. The work is complete, and now it is time to celebrate.
With the house decorated, we often set off for the Christmas Eve service at church (weather permitting – of course). This year’s service was just as joyous as those in years past. A time of delightful anticipation with singing, the story of the Christ Child, and seeing beloved friends. There were two awe inspiring solo’s this year. One by a woman pregnant with her first child sang a heartfelt song of what Mary was thinking in leading up to the birth of her Savior. The other a traditional hymn sung by our own talented Hayden. He is the grandchild of longtime members who have always said how great their grandchild was. Now that he’s a regular in our services, I know they weren’t bragging – just stating a fact. A fact that lead to a chorus of “Amens!” after his song was sung.
Of all the Christmas hymns, the one I think of all year is the third verse of “Away in a Manger”. Here are the words:
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.
Humor Happens 