Christmas Eve

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people."


It's been another enjoyable day. We got a package of mail from Daughter Mary Mae today with lots of Christmas cards as well as the traditional swag made by the grand-kids. Its arrival means Christmas is truly here --

I spent the early part of the day baking pies. I made a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie for tomorrow's dinner. Then I mixed up a batch of crab cocktails so that it could age overnight. Auntie Violet sure smelled good!

Later this evening we headed over to Glendale for the Christmas Eve services at Trinity Mennonite Church. As we walked into the church compound (the sanctuary, Sunday School rooms, library and offices are all in separate small buildings around a central courtyard), we were guided by rows of luminarias --
 

We were here for Christmas Eve two years ago. The climax of the service has the congregation filing out into the courtyard carrying candles and singing Christmas carols. It's a beautiful way to end the evening.