Getting in the Mood

Well, the Christmas season is upon us again.  This year I'm doing a minimal amount of decorating.  I've only put out some wreaths, flower arrangements, a small nativity set, etc.  No tree or lights this year.  We've been so busy and we're going to celebrate Christmas with family, so why bother?!  After all, we want the focus to be on Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate, rather than on just busy tradition.  But, there was one tradition that we took part in, which has become very special for us.  We went to be with Grandma at her church's Christmas brunch.

 Each year she decorates one of the tables with her Swedish decorations.

 This year she actually decorated a second table with a set of hand-knit nativity figures.

One of the most amazing tables was a two-tiered table with a baby Jesus on top.

We had a great time.  But, Penny was not much in a mood for a photo shoot.  So, here's my picture of her with Grandma.

The next night, Grandma had given us tickets to go to a little stone Swedish country church, where they were having a Sankta Lucia service.

 It was really beautiful! The writing on the wall means, "Glory to God in the highest!" We got to hear a Swedish sermon and choir sing, saw the beautiful candles, as there is no electricity in the historic church

 and watch the Sankta Lucia girl proceed down the aisle with a wreath of candles on her head, followed by her attendants.

It was a very special way to start off the Christmas season, as we remember, just like Santa Lucia, that Jesus Christ is our all-in-all.  We worship Him because He is God's Son, who has come as God's gift to us!