Christmas Eve, Part 3

The second annual Valley Baptist Church Christmas Eve service went off beautifully. There had been some concern the day before, as Gunnar had lost his voice (the second time since Thanksgiving, yikes!). I had been joking about naming this Christmas "the year of ever changing plans" as we had changed the plans a half dozen times in trying to figure out what to do. Finally, the day before Christmas eve, Gunnar decided to call in a back up so that he wouldn't have to stress about weather he would have enough voice to proceed or not. In times like these, having another pastor in the family works out really well.

It was actually super nice of my dad to pitch hit for Gunnar, as this meant they didn't get on the road to my grandma's house until after the service, so it made a long night for them. My dad did a great job on the Christmas message. There was a packed house, and it the whole night went off really well. Rick and the worship team get a shout out as well, as they (as always) did a great job. I particularly enjoyed being able to hold a candel, as who doesn't appreciate the chance to play with fire in church? Singing Silent night while holding the candle was an added plus.

To top off the great night, our church surprised us with new patio furniture, which will be great on our new patio!! We had tried to aquire some used patio furniture from my father-in-law, and it hadn't worked out. Now we know God had better plans. He always does, so I don't know why it ever suprises me. :)

Anyways, on to the pictures. Gunnar voice was doing okay to welcome everyone and wish them a merry Christmas.
See, I told you it was a packed house? Seeing as last Christmas there were maybe 20 people, this was huge!! We are so blessed by how well things are going at church.
The amazing worship team.
There's my dad. If you have ever seen him preach, you know he uses his hands a lot when he speaks.
We all held our candles and sang Silent Night
Maria and her candle.
Grace was fascinated by my mom's candle.

She was so excited to blow out our candles. I think she thought it was her birthday or something.
When they called us up to give us the furniture, I didn't realize that Grace was picking her nose in front of the church. Oh well, I have done worse. It's a pastor's kid thing, I think. Thankfully, no one got me on camera. :)
Grace got a little purse with shower gel and lotion in it. She LOVES them.
With the Hilton's before they take off. We missed Daniel, who was spending Christmas in China.
A couple family pictures by the Christmas tree.



As I mentioned, she was really into her little lotion. :)
I hope you had a Merry Christmas! I am so thankful to see how God has been working in my life this year. I am not only thankful that He sent his son on Christmas, but that we have access to God through Jesus every single day of the year. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.