We woke to a very cold, gray day and were at the church by 7:50 for the early communion worship. The 8:30 service was the 3rd Sunday of Advent Words and Carols. It began withthe lighting of the Joy candle, also known as the Shepherd candle.
This year selected elementary age children read tthe nativity story from the Gospel of Luke with carols and anthems in between some of the verses. In addition to the entire congregation singing, there were several anthems preformed by the choir. There was also a small ensemble of strings, woodwinds, brass, adrums and small percussion instruments, along with the pipe organ and pianos. It was magnificent.
I am having my female cousins over for lunch on Thursday, but will be out of town a couple of days and have plans for Wednesday, so I got started getting the dining room ready for them to be here. Most of the actual food prep will wait until Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, but the mini cheesecakes could be made this far in advance.
I like the sound of your very musical advent service. I thought it was the joy candle! For whatever reason we had peace, which wouldn't matter except I nearly mentioned the wrong one.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fabulous time with your cousins!
It was truly a magnificent service.
DeleteThe church service sounds lovely, Anne. That is a beautiful version of Joy to the World. Sounds like it’ll be a busy week for you. Stay safe and warm.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful service. I love this version of Joy to the World. A gigantic choir with instruments really does elevate the song
DeleteWe went to my grandson's Christmas celebration at their Catholic church and it was really good to listen to the kids reading out the story of the three trees. The priest was African this year (from Senegal I'm guessing by his accent) and made it very different and very fun. I think everyone enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the story of the three trees, but anything kids read are always wonderful. So glad you were able to go.
DeleteSounds like a lovely Sunday. You've a busy week ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteIt is a full week until Friday and then things are supposed to be relatively calm until Christmas. At least that is the current plan
DeleteI adore cheesecake so I am sure they will love it! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteI am having small bites for a dessert tray. The cheesecakes are just one thing on it, but one thing done helps
DeleteSounds like the perfect Christmas service. It sounds much like our early service on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly beautiful
DeleteSounds like a good time is ahead. Happy Monday.
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It should be a sort of busy yet fun week
DeleteI love church at Christmas, especially Christmas carols...........
ReplyDeleteMe too!
ReplyDelete