Page 38 - 2018 AdventDevo-Flip book

Thursday, December 20
Silent Night, Holy Night
“Be still and know that I am God.”

Scripture: Psalm 46:10, John 8:12

Growing up in a large family, Christmas was a very exciting time of year.
It was a family tradition for us to attend and participate in the Christmas
Eve service at our church in Seattle, Washington. There were seven
children to prepare for the festivities, so the house was a flurry of activity.
Halos, wings and costumes were gathered for final inspection and choir
robes pressed. Hair was brushed and re-brushed several times. Songs
and story lines were rehearsed over dinner and off to church we’d go.

The sanctuary of the church was always decorated beautifully. The smell
of pine needles permeated the air. The altar overflowed with pine
boughs, shiny red Christmas balls and silk ribbons. Poinsettias were
carefully placed on each step leading to the manger, which sat centerstage
overflowing with hay.

The children’s program was at the beginning of the service. Upon com-
pletion of our small part, we would return to the sanctuary one by one to
sit with our parents. My mother kept a never-ending supply of Lifesavers
in her purse, which made their way up and down our pew several times
during the remainder of the service. There was wiggling and yes…some
giggling, but it all came to a hush when the final song was sung. The
lights were dimmed, candles lit throughout the church, and the congrega-
tion sang Silent Night. The sense of peace, calm and joy that filled my
heart at that moment was inexplicable. I was so happy to be celebrating
the birth of Christ our Lord and Savior, surrounded by family and
friends in this beautiful church I called home.

In December 2006, I attended my first Candlelight service at Liberty. It
was the first time in many years I felt that same wonderful deep sense of
peace, calm and joy as candles were lit one by one and the congregation
joined in singing Silent Night. I knew at that moment God had provided
once again for me. He led me to my new home and church family.

Colleen Teahan