Christmas Parties

"Due to the economy," our company hasn't given us a Christmas party for the past two years. This year is different - things are looking up! On Thursday evening we were given a very nice dinner at a restaurant not far from here. A delicious buffet dinner was served and for entertainment, we were laughing our hearts out by the delivery of comedy from one of the three original "Triple Espresso" comedians. Laugh, laugh, laugh. It felt so good! I work with so many wonderful people - we're like family. It was fun to celebrate with them in this way.

Today I went to another Christmas party. This was a brunch for the women in our church choir. While we sing together all year long, there's never much time to sit together to visit and share memories. Today was different. One of the ladies hosted our group in her beautiful home. There were 35 that were able to attend. We sat around many tables in her home, eating a catered lunch, followed by singing many Christmas carols, both secular and the traditional sacred ones. It was fun singing "Sleigh bells ring . . . , I'm dreaming of a white Christmas . . . ,and It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . , in three part harmony, but when we sang Oh, holy night - - it took my breath away and I started to get choked up. The words tell the true story of Christmas.

Oh holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees. Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine. Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine. Oh night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The Kings of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our needs, for our weakness is no stranger

Behold your King. Before Him lowly bend.

Behold your King. Before Him lowly bend.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord

O praise His name forever.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.