The decorations have been hung, gifts have been purchased, the toys wrapped, the cookies baked, the carols sung, the parties attended, the programs recited, the concerts played, the cards mailed, the travel plans made. Whew! One last thing before my duties are discharged - the Christmas Eve service at church.
The 7pm service is the family friendly service especially designed with young children in mind, and someone else agreed to play for that one. The 10pm service, the one that's usually a packed house, is the one I will be playing for. It's the service where familiar faces of children away at college or grown and moved to other places appear. The service where others besides myself can finally draw a breath and enjoy the season.
My desire is to contribute to this service in such a way as to help those who are attending feel closer to God. I want the music to allow for quiet reflection while drawing on memories of pleasant Christmases past. I wish for the message of the Christmas story from the Scriptures read to touch hearts and bring peace.
The pastor also understands the need for quiet simplicity on this holy evening. She arranged a wonderful display of candles on the altar that represent the holy family, the shepherds, the angels. As the Scriptures are read, she lights the candles that correspond. We sing the carol about that part of the story.
Each reading and carol brings more light into the sanctuary, building the glow to reach from the wicks on the altar to the hearts in the pews. Simple. Elegant. Meaningful. Yes, the light of Christ for a world wrapped in darkness. May it last all year.
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