CHRISTMAS EVE

What a busy time we've had over the past four weeks as we prepare for Christmas.  We started with a craft/games night. 

 Then went on to the Christmas Play.  Then the Christmas pageant and white gift Sunday.  As if the day wasn't full enough already, we had a potluck and carol sing-a-long.

   There was story-telling.

And there was a surprise guest.

And all that activity was just at church.  Individually we've attended parties, sung the "Messiah", gone carolling, shopped, wrapped, baked, cleaned, written cards and packed Christmas hampers.

If Advent is a season of preparation, we've certainly done our share of preparing for the big day.

   But Advent is also meant as a period of expection, of waiting, of reflection, and for that we need a pause from our busyness. 

   On Sunday morning we were reminded of the innocence and beauty of a baby when we baptized Laura Elspeth Margaret Napier-Whale.  

   Now, on the eve of Christmas I wish you all a time of silence to contemplate the manger, to wonder at the breadth of God's love. 

    I wish you the quiet of the hillside to listen to the angels singing. 

    I wish you the peace of the stable at midnight to see the animals kneel.

   Now that Christmas Eve is here, I wish you all the blessing of quiet anticipation, of waiting, with bated breath, for the coming of the Word made flesh.

    Merry Christmas

for more pictures, click here

Thanks for Janet Smith and Diane Cunningham for sharing  pictures.