I arrived at church at about 5:30 yesterday evening and left at about 12:30 this morning. This is nothing when one considers that the priests, organist and choir director were already there, conducting the 5:00 "children's" service.
The choir sang at the 7:00 and 11:00 services. A buffet was provided in the Youth room in between (squishy couches! bourbon balls!) and there was lots of opportunity to knit, talk with folks I don't usually get to spend quality time with, and rest. But by about 9:30, it seemed awfully tempting to curl up for a nap in a pew...
except we were singing the Messiah's "Glory to God" at 11 and did not need a sleepy voice!
The services accomplished, I headed home and fell into bed!
This morning I tidied the bedroom, did a lot of laundry; otherwise we stayed in bed (Ken is still pretty sick so he's not going anywhere). Watched "Get Smart" on our cable's on demand feature. I read the paper and napped. He coughed and napped.
A while ago I went to the grocery store for a few things. Now I have dinner under way: steaks are marinating, green bean casserole is ready to bake, the Pioneer Woman's Crash Hot Potatoes are boiling (hat tip to Songbird for this addition to my repertoire).
Brandon is coming to us in the early evening.
A lovely, peaceful day.
In his sermon last night, Father David asked us to consider what the true meaning of Christmas was to us, personally. I looked around at the sanctuary full of people and thought, "Them."
That "them" doesn't extend only to members of my own parish, but also other Christian friends, including so many that have come my way via RevGalBlogPals. And, taking another step, all the other people I see, (and do not see) in the world, who may not be Christian but are my brothers and sisters none the less...because of Jesus coming as one of us.
I honor the indwelling Spirit in each one of you who reads this. I send a prayer for peace in all the world.
Merry Christmas!
