My first Christmas Eve in Wishek. Will it go okay? Will I fall off the pulpit, backwards? Will everything work out well? I arrive two hours early and wander, imagining what it will be like when the church is full.

Will they come?

Everything is ready:

Hundreds of candles prepared for the candle lighting

Programs

Hymnals will open soon to “Joy to the World”

 

Pews are polished and ready

Organ Silent for the Moment

Music stands placed just so

I scan it all from the choir loft

Downstairs, the kids costumes await:

Three Kings

Angels

Shepherds

Back upstairs. They start to arrive:

The sanctuary and loft fill! I hear children and families, I see hugs and smiles. A special prelude begins: video prelude

I begin with a welcome, a prayer and lighting the Advent candle. Kids do readings, ring bells

The kids go downstairs to change into costumes while we sing and take the offering.

More brass during offertory

Back upstairs, the angels wait to come in

Children’s Christmas Eve Program begins

Candle lighting and Silent Night, Holy Night

Merry Christmas. All is Well.