O Come All Ye Faithful
December 2010
Some of the faithful arrive early to hear Christmas carols played by children on the piano in front of the church.
The knotty pine walls create a warm glow throughout the chapel. Notice the pipes for the organ around the front window. The organ is almost too much for this church, but it helps the talented organists bring the hymns to life.
The youth group find a nice tree in the mountains for the church and members who purchase permits.
Chrismons on the tree were made several years ago by a the Lutheran Woman's Missionary League (LWML) members. The symbols were traced on styrofoam and decorated with sequins and gold glitter. Similar patterns are available online.
On Christmas Eve, at the end of the service, the church lights are turned off and only the tree and altar candles remain lit. Then, the ushers work their way down the aisle lighting candles of those on the end of the pews. Slowly, the flame is passed from person to person and the church is filled with candlelight, the shimmering tree, and the familiar words of Silent Night. It never ceases to cause my eyes to tear and a lump to form in my throat.
What a beautiful church and Christmas service. My church has gotten so large that we aren't able to be as intimate as I would like. Didn't know about Crismons...very interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is humbling to contemplate the great love of God.
ReplyDeleteBut God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.~Romans 5:8
Your church is so pretty. They fill our church with poinsettias, but no tree, just the advent candles. It truly is a glorious time of the year.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!