Christmas Eve at the Lutheran Church

We went to the Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve, with our good friends. I wish I would have taken my camera to capture how beautiful it was, but I just wanted to fully enjoy the moment, so I took pictures in my mind. I loved all of the imagery, the stain glass windows, the flickering candles, the Nativity banners, the elegant Crosses, the organ pipes, and the Christmas trees -- it was all very beautiful.

Our whole family went to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas -- the Birth of Jesus -- together with our friends of another faith. I am so glad we were able to go, it was wonderful! Our kids were really excited because their good friends were part of the program. Daniel's friend, Jake, was in the children's program, and we got to watch Sammi's best friend, Hanna, perform her duties as an acolyte. It was really special to watch them, it was hard for me not to cry! They were both so cute. Miss Hanna was so sparkly-faced, and angelic, in her white ceremonial robes.

It was different for our kids, different then the Mormon Church services they are used to. There was a lot of standing-up and singing, and reciting words from the program out loud. It made me smile to look over at my children and see them singing with enthusiasm, and reciting the parts in bold on the program. Daniel really enjoyed it. It was basically the Bible Christmas story, so they were very familiar with it. All of the songs were the Christmas Hymns, which were the same ones that we sing as Mormons. I loved all of the music. I was happy when it came to a part in the program of reciting the Lord's Prayer from memory -- I could do it!

I loved being there with our friends, and others who have faith in Jesus. I looked around the room, and I could sense the goodness from the people that were there. It made my heart happy to see that there is still so much good in the world. There are still so many very, very, good and faithful people.

My favorite part of the whole evening was when we lit our candles. I was sitting on the end of the pew, so the Pastor -- dressed in his white robes -- was the one who helped me light my candle. I then shared my light with the person next to me, as did everyone else, until we all had light. The main lights in the room were turned off, and we sang Silent Night. It was such a beautiful moment, so full of the Spirit -- it was hard not to cry. I loved how the flame would flicker a glorious light on all the faces. It was such a precious moment, there is something special about the light from a candle. A lit candle creates a very ethereal glow, a Heavenly light.

It was so special to gather with our friends and celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. Of all of my Christmas memories this year, attending the Lutheran Church Christmas Eve services was my favorite moment of them all.

I had struggled this year to feel the Christmas Spirit. I finally felt it prick my heart as we gathered together with our friends, singing praises, lighting candles, and allowing the Spirit of Jesus to fill my heart.

P.S. The Cross in the picture above is a prominent symbol here in Boise, Idaho. It sits high up on the foothills, and casts its beautiful light that can be seen from across the city. I know there has been some controversy over it in the past (people wanting it removed), but I hope that it always remains as a beautiful symbol that glows over the City of Boise.