It Is Finished!

Candle Season 2015 is done.  All but the clean up and one final delivery this afternoon.  I woke this morning thinking about plans to retake photos for my websites and Etsy shop.  Can't wait!!  But it will wait because I must finish Christmas shopping now.  I have a fair amount to do and so am scoping out last minute sales to get some larger ticket items.  Pretty cool....I think.  We'll see if it actually works out like I'm planning.

Saturday evening we met Mom, Georgia, Michael and Emily at Lititz Moravian for the annual Love Feast.  This is a special service with music and sweet bread.  Oh, do they make it well.  Traditionally we went to York Moravian because that was the church Georgia grew up in... but with Lititz being closer we have switched our location.  This was the church as we approached it Saturday Evening.

Saturday and Sunday nearly did me in with all that had to happen and how everything had to go just right to make it all work.  My head was literally spinning when I went to bed Saturday night.  But both days did go as planned.  Sunday's big event was our Christmas Service, which came after a Communion Worship Service and Fellowship Meal.  Every year this service is a bit unique because the service is made up of gifts and talents of our congregation.  Sometimes it is heavy on music, and we had plenty,  but also this year we had three offerings of writing talent.  Pastor Jack read two of his original Christmas Poems.

Jack is our Associate Pastor.  He is in his 90's and adored by all.  He says what he thinks and it can be very interesting.  We are so thankful at God's preserving hand on his life.  There is a lot of experience and wisdom in this former veterinarian turned Pastor.

I don't have a photo of Kelly reading her original story of an Unlikely Savior to the children but they were very into it.  You could tell by their reactions.  The giggles...and answers to Kelly's questions.  We truly believe the scripture that tells us that "whatsoever you do, do ALL to the glory of God".  That includes the arts and creative sides of ourselves.  We encourage each other in our gifts.

The final offering of creative writing was that of a young lady who took part with her family in the lighting of our final advent candle.  She wrote a portion of the reading they used to express the meaning of the "Christ candle".

We did have our fair share of musical talent as well.   This young lady played her violin with her brother and a few other musicians who are hidden behind the piano.

It was very special.  She is a quiet girl who is studying to be a missionary.  We love seeing our young people grow and seek God's will in their lives. He is faithful!

I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked because I had too much to do with playing the piano and singing.  But it was a very good time and I'm thankful that it all came together.

Yesterday was a very full day!  Wow!  In my planning it was going to be a laid back slower paced day.  But instead it was a jam packed full very fun and rewarding day.  Between my phone being so very busy, visiting new friends, Christmas shopping, lunch with my girl, candle deliveries, taking a friend to work and a Christmas Dinner event with my mom it was full, full, full.  But I wouldn't change a thing.

I'll bet you are pretty busy.  It seems that most of us are right now.  I only hope that you are busy with joyful things.  We are very excited to see my brother, sister in law and her sister later this week.  We have plans to make gingerbread houses, go to a Christmas Eve Service, Eat a lot, and share gifts with each other.  We will not forget that this is a birthday celebration.  For our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is almost time to Party!!  But first....a few more gifts to find.  A few more sales to enjoy and some much anticipated time with family visiting from Florida and Chicago.  Gotta run....