It is a special place, and a special night as we celebrate together the birth of our Savior. It is even more special to me when I am able to enjoy the added blessing of having all of our children worshipping together on this Holy Night.
We arrived early enough to take some pictures of the beautifully decorated sanctuary.
The Christ candle in the center would be lit during the service.
Haleigh spent some time reading the Bible while we waited for the service to start.
I imagine even the baby Jesus did a little crying every once in a while.
The children entered carrying wrapped gifts for their part in the service.
As they came to the front, the children shared what birthdays mean to each of them. There were answers like "cake", "frosting", "getting older", and, of course, "presents!" That's Matthew waiting his turn to share.
Up front, they did some choral reading, and then sang a sweet rendition of "Happy Birthday, Jesus."
The second graders read the scripture from Luke, Chapter 2. Matthew and four pretty little girls.
Matthew read verses 15-20, which is one of my favorite parts of the story.
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Merry Christmas!
May we treasure the gift we have been given,
may the story never grow old,
and may we glorify and praise our precious Lord Jesus.
Joy to the World!
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