Aside form Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve is one of my most favorite nights of the year. The season of Advent is such a time full of joy, but unforuntely (and inevitably) the hustle and bustle of family visits, dinners, presents, and the rest causes not only stress, but a forgetfulness of what this season is meant to be. The husband’s family has a wonderful tradition that I have rather enjoyed participating in over these past few years. A meal together at grandmother’s with the more immediate extended family, and then the Christmas Eve service at Trinity. Such a wonderful experience of what this season of Advent truly means that is quite possibly, for me, the pinnacle of every years festivities.
The church itself is simply beautiful at this time of year. The deep chocolate of the rustic wooden backdrop of the pulpit paired with the plump foliage of garland tied neatly with red satin ribbon bows is truly a sight to see. Candelabras lit throughout the front guide your eyes to the elegant splendor of the tree. As you venture upwards, scaning the ornaments of crossess and the like, the topper draws your eyes to the only decoration that needs no embellishment at all. Even now, the most beautiful of sights among all of the garnishes within remains the old rugged cross.
As friends and families gather to break bread and sing carols, mini reunions commence. A single room filled with a span of ages. Old college roommates spot one another from across the pews. Children and their spouses hug the necks of grateful parents who are delighted simply by their presence. Toddlers and infants cling to grandparents beaming with excitement of the coming days. Smiles and laughter fill the sanctuary with a warmth unique to rekindled relationship. As the service begins the chatter dies down, leading to some of the most genuine worship of the year. The choir sings, the preacher brings the word, and then as one family we break bread. The body and blood of Christ shed for so many. His flesh torn for us. The words of such a gift falls to willing ears on this night. A spirit of openness that allows for his grace to penetrate even the hardest of hearts. As the service nears a close, the piano keys dance in a familiar melody. A lone voice offers chills with the chorus of “O Holy Night”. And at the conclusion, silence. The most fitting end to what begins next…
The lights dim nearly completely as the ushers make their way from the Christ candle, bearing the flame to each row. Cupped hands slowly ignite each candle brightening the entire sanctuary. A familiar carol is given new life as voices rise in praise. Instruments accompany the singing until the final verse. A moment where the world stops if but for an instant. Where, for a moment, this small gathering knows only peace. The prescence of Christ is so thick in this moment you can feel His embrace with every utterance. Feel His unending comfort with every flicker of flame. As the music fades, candles are lifted, and soft tones grow into exclamations of the birth of Jesus; our precious Lord.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angles let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the savior is born, Christ the savior is born!
Expectant for tomorrow, and hopeful for His continuous mercy to envelope us throughout not only Christmas, but the entirety of the year we gather with family to celebrate. To rejoice. And to remember the reason we are all together. His unyielding love.
