Christmas Eve Service

I was very pleased with how this year's Christmas Eve Service turned out. We kept it fairly simple which made it very reflective and meaningful.

Even though it was simple in structure, we had several firsts:

• We setup the CLC with chairs around the stage which was in the middle of the room. I really liked the closeness it brought. I must say preaching to an audience that was all around the stage turned out to be more distracting than I had imagined. It would definitely take some practice. I found myself thinking more about where to look next, than on what I wanted to say.
  
• David led all of the carols a cappella. A very nice touch.
  
• We used individual prepackaged communion wafers and juice. It solved the issue of rounding up servers. Those who would normally serve were able to sit with their families. And it enabled us to partake in unison. The only drawback was the crinkling noise of opening them up.
  
• Though not a first, it had been a while since we had everyone light a candle at the end of the service…a nice final touch. Note to self: Next time make sure the candles are not individually wrapped in plastic!
  

What I love to see most of all are the families who come and worship together. What a great way to begin Christmas!