It happened in December…

… but I I did not find it time to mentioned it so far.

Two services in one night

On Christmas Eve, Irvin, his sister Chris who came to visit from Idaho and me took part at two Christmas Eve services. The first one was at Indian Fellowship at 6:00 PM. About 60 people came. Two of the ladies told us afterward they had been very moved: this was the very first Christmas Eve service they had ever attended. We read verses from the Gospel of Luke, sang traditional carols, and lighted 12 candles one after the other, throughout the service. Irvin and I even sang together an old French song – in French!

First Pres had two services that night, a traditional one at 7:00 PM and a contemporary one at 11:00 PM. There is a musical dividing line throughout the American Christianity. Some enjoy singing like they always have, rejoicing and feeling inspired by the songs they grew up with. Others, usually younger folks, request more modern and stimulant music that some call “praise music”. Churches of the size of First Pres often have two services on Sunday morning – or Christmas Eve – so both groups worship with the music they need. Since I enjoy every opportunity to sing, traditionally or otherwise, I had the pleasure to sing with the praise team at 11:00 PM. Sue offered Irvin to serve communion with her. So we had two wonderful opportunities to celebrate Christmas, in varied atmosphere but each time with joy. In each setting, it was the time to «sing to the Lord a new song, Sing to the Lord, all the earth» (psalm 96)

Houses and cars are also in tune with Christmas

Since the beginning of Fall, houses and sometimes even cars follow the rhythm of the celebrations. From Halloween, to Thanksgiving then Christmas, decorations change the look of the neighborhood. In December, houses are almost transformed in Christmas trees, with their own lights and ornaments, many referring to Santa Claus. All Santa’s history, in all its details, is also a traditional part of the American celebration. Each deer that pulls Santa’s sledge even has its own name! The most popular is Rudolph, the “red nose deer” who has its own story told in an animated movie. One day in December, I parked by a car who had been “dressed up” as Rudolph ! Only in America… 

Beginnings and Endings

So it is our turn now. We just got out of 2010. We are almost the last ones to do so: Australia was celebrating the first minutes of 2011 as our morning was ending on December 31^st.

Around 3:00 PM not only 9 hours was separating us from France, but also a whole year. When it is out turn to leap into 2011, the whole year has already done so, except Alaska and Hawaii.

Temperatures got colder those last days: 25F (-3C) under an unusual sky: without a cloud. While our delighted pups ran after the fireworks coming from the neighboring yards, we enjoyed the view of the many stars that we have so few opportunities to admire in our area where the sky is often overcast.

Let’s not rush moments of transition, suggests this author. "Beginnings and endings are so very sacred, to give honor to all that has transpired, every experience, every joy, every pain, is a doorway to the magical. Hold your entire year between your hands, every day, every thought, every breath. Now bless it with gratitude, love and humility. You have done more to transform this new year than a thousand resolutions". (K. Allen Kay) Happy New Year!