Christmas Day at White Oak Church

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Sunday, December 25

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There was a beautiful sunrise on our very cold Christmas morning.

Our sanctuary windows were simply and beautifully decorated.

If I had known what was going to happen in the worship service, I would have taken my camera to the balcony. During his message on “The Gospel According to the Wise Men”, our minister Ron invited the children to come to the front of the sanctuary for a children’s story. He had hidden a doll somewhere in the room and had his daughter Marcy on the balcony with a spotlight. As Ron taught the children about following the star, the spotlight moved back the center aisle, across the back, then toward the front on a side aisle. It was fun watching the children following the light until they found the doll in the middle of one of the benches.

Several years ago, when Moravian Sugar cake and coffee was served after the morning worship service that celebrated Christmas, it was discovered that many people had already celebrated Christmas with their families and had nothing to do on Christmas afternoon, so it was decided to serve a full meal this year.

A committee of four couples oversaw the meal, and while they put the finishing touches on things, friends and family began filling water glasses.

Punch, coffee, hot chocolate and tea area

John, one of our congregation’s song leaders, put a song sheet at each place setting.

After everyone was seated, he led us in a few songs that everyone knew by heart.

Our last song was from the song sheet, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.

Glen led in prayer before the meal.

There was a delicious meal prepared and set before us.

Ham

Turkey

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Baked corn and green beans

Relishes

Dinner rolls

Cranberry sauce

I did not photograph the desserts which consisted of pie, cookies, cake and ice cream.

There were crafts for the children while the adults visited.

This little guy focused on the trees.

I think this one was making a card for someone.

Emma showing how these decorations work.

It was a delightful Christmas day that closed with a sunset as pretty as the sunrise.