Last night had a different feel about everything...will we gather together or not...will we go to church...what if someone gets sick or is sick and they didn't know it?
We chose to listen to the Angel's words to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
We gathered up our three families to share Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house for fondue...something very familiar to our Christmas eve celebrations.
We listened/watched a Christmas message and music online...not the norm for Christmas eve.
We sang table grace...not "Johnnie Appleseed"...instead "Be present at our table Lord..." with harmony...(sort of)
There was the traditional kid's table and adult's table...lots of laughs and stories about past Christmas eves.
Everyone moved into the living room and the stockings were opened to pacify the little ones for a few minutes before opening all the other gifts under the tree.
I read the Luke 2 story. Lois wanted to sing some Christmas carols. We reminded everyone that the story of Jesus we just read fills the Christmas Carols we were about to sing...Listen for the Story everyone...
The requests came pouring in!
"Away in the Manger"...
"Joy to the World"...
"O little town of Bethlehem"...
"Hark the herald Angels sing"...
Then... "Silent Night" with candles (Lois has a "flare" for what makes a moment precious)
NOW...Open the presents. Chaos reigns every year at that point. What fun and joy ran rampant through our living room...in was truly a "LIVING ROOM" filled with family and The presence of JESUS last night.
One of our beautiful little girls, Mackenzie told her mom Kelly... that the best part of Christmas Eve was "The Singing". Lois was right on with the singing of carols and candles.
It sure was a different and precious night with our loved ones. The Story Never Gets Old...Jesus has come!
This was one of my most favorite Christmas Eves in the past 73 years...the Glow lingers in the house along with the smell of the cooking oil from the fondue reminding us that Jesus was and is present continuing to pour out His goodness and mercy on us all the days of our lives.
We just needed to... "look and see..."
Isaiah long ago wrote:
"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak." (NIV)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH ONE OF YOU THIS SEASON
