I remember when our kids were little, Christmas Eve was always a huge rush.
With my wife and I both being ministers there was always a little bit of an extra frantic feel to the evening.
In light of this it became our practice to have pizza for supper on Christmas Eve. I am sure the kids did not mind that at all. In fact I am positive that they didn’t mind it because now that they on their own, living in Edmonton, they still get together on Christmas Eve and have pizza. A joyous tradition has been born.
Another thing I remember from those Christmas Eves was the moment right before going to bed.
Everything was done, the pizza had been eaten, the carols had been sung, the story of Jesus’ birth had been told, the candles had been lighted, the Merry Christmases had been shared, the stockings were hung, the cookies and milk left out and the kids were off to bed. Right then there was a moment, a moment of peace.
The lights on the tree twinkled, everything was still and these words from that famous carol would fill my heart “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.”
My wish for everyone this Christmas is that during the busy times and in the quieter moments of Christmas, our hearts will be open to hear the songs of joy in the midst of the hectic activity and the whisper of angels in those blessed moments of peace and may we treasure them always.
Merry Christmas.
Rev. Armand Houle is the minister at Summerland United Church.