Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a little different for us this year, but so sweet. 

Sylvia was asked by our friend Jamie to play her horn with the church choir he directs at the Presbyterian church in Fairbury.

We dropped her off for rehearsal, then went to Family Dollar to pick up scotch tape and some last minute Christmas supplies--you know, like a 2 pound bag of SourPatch Kids.

When we arrived back at the church, we went in a little early, and the choir was still rehearsing.  A man from the congregation greeted us and pointed at me and Annah. He told us we should sing with the choir.  I don't know how he knew we were singers, but when he said something to Jamie, Jamie said he would love for us to join them. So we did!

The piece the choir sang was All Is Well--one of my favorites.  

 Sylvia did a beautiful job playing her horn!

The service was really nice.
In his message, the pastor included this recording of of a TV broadcast watched by over 500 million people: 50 years ago today, the US astronauts of Apollo 8 reading the first 10 verses of Genesis as they watched the lunar sunrise of the earth! So awesome!

Receiving candles for the singing of Silent Night

On our way home, we drove around Colfax and enjoyed all the great Christmas lights.  My pictures snapped through the car window are no good, but there were some really cute displays!  We enjoyed it so much and were impressed the little village of Colfax had so many great lights!

I had a little wrapping to finish, but not much.

Had to keep the tradition of watching Polar Express on Christmas Eve!

And even the tradition of Dad reading Moosletoe!

It's fun playing Santa, because I'm the first one to see this pretty sight.

The angel said to them, 

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

- Luke 2:10-14