Christmas Eve communion has been a part of my holiday observance for most of my life. Memories rush in: 1970 – my young son, so proud in the little white surplice, his first time to be an acolyte; 1980 – kneeling in the small country church, the pageant ended, the children still dressed as angels and shepherds; 1990 – the come-and-go service in the big city church, communion and a quick prayer while my husband holds the baby, then we trade places; 2000 – in our new church home, the members of the congregation carrying candles, spreading through the dark sanctuary, making a big circle of light.
Our holiday schedule changes over the years as family members are added and others are called home. But however many or few of us there are, at whatever point in the hustle and bustle we find ourselves, on December 24 we stop, make our way to church and kneel with our brothers and sisters in Christ to remember and give thanks for the gift of the Christ Child.
A wonderful, blessed Christmas to you all.