I had a quiet day yesterday, with a visit to Starbucks. Coffee and a sandwich and some time in a different environment, where I did some writing. It amused me to be the only one in the place working long-hand on a hard copy manuscript. It was definitely a laptop and tablet haven.
That only covered the early part of the day. For me, what makes Christmas Eve special are the services my church holds. And I like ushering at them, greeting people on this particular night. And for such a festive night, I make an effort.
(I also managed to take a photo of myself on my cell phone. Not always easy to make it flattering. Here, the viewer gets a good perspective on my nose.)
I had to put some gas in my car (it was close to running on fumes), and that made me a little bit late to the 8 o’clock service. But I made it, which was a good thing, as we were a little short on ushers at that one. The 8 o’clock service has a more relaxed style, with music led by our contemporary service worship band, going more acoustical for this service.
The scripture readings and usual carols are always a pleasure when met in a gathering such as this. To hear many voices singing the familiar tunes warms me. And Pastor Dan’s Meditation for the evening reminded us about letting Christ shine in our celebrations. The service ends with candle lighting as we sing “Silent Night.” “Christ is the light of the world.” The sanctuary lights are dimmed, allowing the warm glow from the candles to light the faces of all.
Watching people file out after the service is also a pleasure, people on their way to further celebrations, perhaps, but certainly looking forward to whatever they have planned for the holiday morning.
And then I get a long break, since I stick around to usher at the 11 o’clock service as well. There’s about an hour and a half break between the two services. I had taken a book along, to while away the time.
The 11 o’clock service is slightly different in program from the 8 o’clock. The verses are the same, of course, and most of the carols that the congregation sings. The special music changes, though. The Cathedral Choir and organist participate in the 11 o’clock service. Our organist, Kimo Smith, is wonderful. Listening to him on the pipe organ always reminds me of my mother, who was also an organist.
The special music from the choir included “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen. I have a recording of the Los Angeles Master Chorale performing it. I felt the Cathedral Choir handled it well. The sanctuary is a great place for letting the music resonate. And then Jamie Anderson sang “O Holy Night” for the offertory, his voice filling the space.
Again the service ended in the warm glow of candles, and the familiar sweetness of “Silent Night.” There is a happiness to the faces of those leaving the service, stepping out into the brisk chill air, looking forward to the bright day coming.
After midnight on Christmas Eve, the streets are relatively quiet. There’s so much anticipation for the holiday. It reminds me of coming home from Christmas Eve services from my childhood in Michigan. I would feel a quiet, wonderful expectation as we would drive through the deserted streets. I remember occasions when the bare trees were glazed with ice, and the various street lights would gleam on the ice – white, red, green, with snow shadowed as we passed out of the circle of street lamps.
It’s been a challenging year for me. And yet, the message of Christmas, the offering of peace and joy, it always grounds me.
