Christmas Eve

The night the kids have been looking forward to for so long is here.  They love going to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate Jesus' birthday- the decorations, the advent candles, the hymns, and the candlelight.  It is such a magical time.  We have attended this service at the small presbyterian church in Hokendauqua, PA every Christmas my entire life.  It's such a special tradition to share with them... 

I love to see the hope, wonder, and reflection in their faces.

 

 On the way to church we were enjoying all the lights along the way.  Julia saw a nativity display and asked if we could stop to see baby Jesus.  We didn't have time on the way, but promised to stop on the way home.  This will definitely become a family tradition.

 

They loved all the hymns in church, but were upset that we didn't sing Away in a Manger.  Julia asked if we could sing it to him now.  So we did.  It was so sweet to sing to baby Jesus, just the four of us in the cold on Christmas Eve...

 

 

 We are so thankful to be able to spend Christmas in PA with our family and friends.  Just being here, together, and healthy is all we could ever ask for- such a gift! We didn't know what this Christmas would hold for us.  Up to the week we left we knew our plans were tentative.  I have been savoring every sweet moment and unwrapping it all as an unexpected and blessed gift!

 

 The kids opened their stockings...

 

 

And then it was off to bed.  Tomorrow will be here before we know it! God bless us, everyone!!