Christmas Eve turned cloudy in the mid-40’s with rain later. We had 51 for the service. Of note within the church were “cherry tree toppers” used as ornaments toward the rear of the church from Fraser Wood Elements in Fredericksburg. Cookie outdid herself with the poinsettia in the windows with nandina and pine. The red candles complemented them well.
Music is part of Christmas. Marilyn brought her harp and Nancy joined in on soprano for one piece. The choir presented “In the Bleak Midwinter” at the offertory. Brad’s prelude was “Unto to us a child is born.” We normally sing “Angels we have heard on High” but it was the postlude this year.
We had numerous visitors. Cherry had her “hugging shirt” and she was busy doing that. Catherine presented Luke 2 reading for memory as well her sermon. We have a selection from it under the videos. The intimacy of St. Peter’s gives everyone a front row seat. The story of William Weaver and the stolen bike brought all into several themes of Christmas in the sermon.