And a very Merry Christmas to all

Christmas Eve

There can be a whirlwind of events beginning the morning of Christmas Eve and running strong until December 26th.  Baking, visiting, wrapping and such have a way of cluttering the time.  Thus, precious moments can be lost if one isn't careful. 

I didn't want the 'noise' to clutter our time.  So, we took it slow and easy. 

No fuss

No stress

No worries

(or so we tried)

Christmas Eve we would be rejoicing at the birth and coming of Our Lord Jesus

We would be singing under the grace that He has come to save us from ourselves

We would be simple in our own family's need to be still;

reflecting in various ways on how how He has come to one day

die for US

We gave back a little to neighbors, bearing kitchen goodies and Christmas carols.  Wishing them a blessed Christmas season

We had a lovely dinner

I didn't take any pictures during this time, I think I was just in the moment.  It was so pretty with candles and flowers everywhere. 

I just kept taking it all in :)

Then the time came to place Baby Jesus in his manger

Princess was given the special 'job' and didn't let anyone forget it

Then it was off to see Lucy, her cousins, and a few other talented youth sing Christmas carols for Fr. S right before the midnight Mass was to begin

We walked into our parish

It was still, the manger illuminated by lights drew every one's attention

The choir began to sing

and I heard the angels singing in Glory to God 

for He has come down to be among us

We didn't get to stay for the midnight Mass

but instead returned the following morning to celebrate

still all beautiful

still so magical

Christmas has begun

The Word was made flesh, alleluia, alleluia!

And dwelt among us, alleluia, alleluia!