Christmas Eve 2008

The snow held back as the Angels welcomed parishioners and visitors with Christmas Hymns, both old and new, to an 8:00 P.M. Holy Communion and Candlelight Service. During the announcements break, the Altar Party unveiled a beautiful Stained Glass window behind the altar. Rev. Crites’ homily on Life is Taxing was preceded by parishioner/songwriter/guitarist Larry Bombard singing Don’t Take the Christ Out of Christmas. During the offering, we were offered a choral rendition of What Child is This, led by organist Elizabeth DeWolfe, beautifully accompanied by Elizabeth Allbright and Annette Clift.

Following Holy Communion and the blessing, the lights were dimmed and candles lighted from the Christ Candle. To the tune of Silent Night, and the light from the backlit stained glass window, parishioners and guests with their lighted candles filed out into a cold and starry night much as the Judean shepherds once did as they experienced the “Sh’ekinah Glory” of the newborn King of Kings, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

For those who did not have to hurry elsewhere, hot cider, hot chocolate, hot coffee, cookies, and finger food were available to fortify all for their cold journey home, accompanied by a lot of warm camaraderie and chatter.

It was a blessed Christmas Eve for all, and one to be remembered.

Rev. Walt Crites with the 1st lighting from the Christ Candle.

Postulant Graveline, Sr.

Parishoners departing the Nave.