Christmas Memories

As part of the Cultural Diversity series at work, they requested employees submit their favorite Christmas memory or tradition (in 200 words or less).  I didn't submit this, but wrote it up any way.

Through the years, there has been one constant in my Christmases.  Though people may have changed through the years through marriage, birth of children and death; there has always been Christmas Eve communion. This service is the most moving services of the Christian year for me.  It typically starts at 11:00 pm and involves singing, the reading of the Christmas story, and receiving communion.  After communion, the congregation sings Silent Night as the lights are dimmed and everyone is holding a lit candle.  When the service concludes, it is past midnight and therefore it is Christmas.  Some years there is a bonus – snow.

As a youngster, it was an excuse to stay up late and help pass the time before the fat guy showed.

As a college student and single adult, it was very similar to a homecoming; allowing me to see people from my home church.

As a husband, it was an opportunity to share a tradition with my bride.

And finally, as a father, it is a chance to hopefully instill a tradition with my children that hopefully they will come to love as much as I do.

Looking forward to sharing the magic again this Christmas Eve at Kingston Springs United Methodist Church.

Zach, A Tennessee Squire