Christmas Eve

Norah became a real hit at the Christmas Eve service, entertaining all around her with her quick smile. After flirting with the lady behind us through the majority of the service, Norah decided to break into song during the prayer, causing Daddy to carry her to the back of the church for a little while.

Norah has always been very well behaved during church, to the point that most people don't know that she was even there. However, she has grown up a lot in the last few weeks, enabling her to stay awake for much longer periods, and to talk very loudly when so inclined.

The volume of her voice is not a bother though as it really reaches her parent's ears as a sound of beautiful music. Her happy sounds are amongst the sweetest sounds on earth, and gentle reminders of how we have been incredibly blessed.

Norah quieted down enough to return to the sanctuary in time for Daddy to receive Communion, then she melted a few more hearts until the end of the service when the candles were lit. As always,"Silent Night" was the last song of the service, and this year the candle lighting was slightly more challenging due to Norah's focus on the candles. Thankfully only wicks were lit, and her grasp was kept at a distance. The deep colors of the stained glass windows contrasted beautifully with the darkness of the sanctuary and the soft, warm yellow glow of the candles. The sound of people's voices carried the song without accompaniment, and the Christmas Spirit was evident. The overall effect was very gentle and sincere, evoking the emotions of many years simultaneously. Something about being a parent intensifies your beliefs more than anything else could ever hope to do.

Merry Christmas from all of us with love!