At 8:00AM, we reported to our bell ringing station at WalMart. Since we had to be there by 7:50-ish, we made a quick stop through the local donut shop drive-thru on the way. Yum! Pigs in a blanket for breakfast! (The kids had donuts...gotta get that sugar buzz!) We spent two hours ringing the bell & people watching. It's always encouraging to see how many people stop & talk to the kids & pat them on the back for doing something positive. I love to see the kids give of their time for something imporant like this, but to have other people tell them that is great!
Today, I do believe we saw a few people who'd qualify for this site. I didn't take any pictures, though. After all, I was there to collect money for a good cause. It wouldn't have looked very nice for me to be snapping pictures of odd people.
Upon our return from WalMart, I made a quick trip to our local discount store. It's kind of like a dollar store, but things aren't $1. I don't know if they're a nationwide chain or not, but the store is called Fred's. I had to pick up the last couple of items needed for tomorrow's birthday party celebration. When I checked out, the cashier said "I guess someone has a birthday close to Christmas!". I just nodded & said "Yes, Jesus!". She kind of rolled her eyes, but the lady behind me in line piped up & asked about the party plates & napkins & such. I shared about our Christmas morning tradition and she loved it. Even if the cashier thought it was silly, I'm glad to be able to point out the one whose birthday we celebrate. How fortunate we are to live in a country where we can say things about Him in public.
Back at home, we made Jesus's birthday cake and had lunch. I attempted a nap, but it didn't happen. Too many doors being knocked on, phones ringing, etc. Oh well. I tried.
The biggest "thing" of the day (at least for the kids) was this: it snowed! Sure, it was just flurries & it only lasted maybe an hour. But wow...snow on Christmas Eve in Texas. That NEVER happens!
Tonight we went to our church for a non-traditional Christmas Eve service. I think most churches who have a Christmas Eve service do something along the lines of candlelit hymn-singing, reverant prayer time, etc. Or perhaps this is the time for Christmas musicals by the choir. Whatever the case, tonight our church did something different. We are blessed to be a part of an amazing church who really endeavor to reach the community & the world. A couple of weeks ago, we were given a wish list for several local charities/mission groups (Salvation Army, PATH, Living Alternatives, etc). Tonight we were asked to bring our gifts to the manger. Our church's stage had a small manger set up with a (doll) baby Jesus in it. The lights were dimmed and we were directed to place our gifts at the altar & spend a few moments praying for the organizations we were donating to, for our families, for those who are spending their Christmas alone, etc.
I realize it's hard to see in this pic, but if you click on it & blow it up maybe you can see things better. This is the stage in our sanctuary. The entire stage is covered in gifts!
The next station of the service was individual communion tables where each family could stand, read the Scriptures about communion (which were on the table, printed ahead of time) and then take the elements as a family. Very reverant & beautiful!
After giving your gifts, prayer & communion, you could leave or take a seat and watch a looped video of music set to scenes from The Nativity Story movie. Such a sweet time of worship & giving.
Larry & I were so moved. It didn't take a ton of money for the church to provide this time. The members were encouraged to give. Nothing flashy went on, but it was one of the most moving things we've done for Christmas in years as far as church services go. Just goes to show that it doesn't take a grand gesture to please Him. I am honored that we were able to go & focus on Him tonight as a family.
We drove home & enjoyed a movie & cocoa before the kids hit the beds. What a great day. I can't wait for tomorrow!!
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