The celebrations started with the good fellowship experienced by all who took part in the
hanging of the greens  at the end of November.  This prepared the sanctuary for all the
other events to come.  The first event involved everyone in the congregation with the
lighting of the first Advent candle. Advent, as you all know, is the time of retelling the
story as we confess and proclaim that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us' (John
1:14). This is the great message of the incarnation, which Jesus Christ was born into
human history in the fullness of time for the salvation of the world.

The next event recalled the practice of old where family members moved from home to
home to experience the tradition of a progressive dinner, with a different part of the meal
served at each home that was visited.  I don't have any pictures from this event this year
because I had to make a trip to Zanesville, Ohio the weekend it was held. The following
Sunday we celebrated the second Sunday of Advent with special musical selections and the
lighting of the second Advent candle.

The third week of December was very hectic as the children practiced and practiced to
prepare for their Christmas show. Then the big day finally arrived, along with snow just to
make the season really feel like Christmas.  The third Advent candle was lit and the
Children presented an early session of their Christmas story .  The snow continued to fall.
Not so much in Sutton but up on Barker Ridge it was getting pretty deep. So Joy and I put
on our snow boots and hopped in our four wheel drive Subaru and headed down the ridge
to see the evening performance of Christmas around the World presented by the children of
the church.  I hope you were able to see either the morning or the evening presentation
because the kids really did a great job.  If you didn't make it, I hope you enjoy seeing the
pictures on the next few pages.  After the evening play, a snacky dinner was held for the
kids and adults down in the basement of the church.  There were lots of cookies, meat
balls, little sausages and other good things to eat. Everyone ate too much as usual but a
good time was had by all.  Here's some photos., (Click photo to enlarge. Click back button to return)

The play started with a reading by LJ Atkins then the children sang their opening songs.

The story of Mary and Joseph finding all the rooms full in Bethlehem having to stay in a
stable with their baby Jesus lying in a manger full of hay. The visit by angels and the
coming of the wise men.

At the end of the show, presents were given to each of the children and the the adult
directors of the play. Then we all moved down to the basement for Christmas treats.

The Christmas Play was great fun for all and the kids deserve a
hand of applause from everyone. But the celebration doesn't end
here. The fourth Advent candle was lit and that evening seventeen
hardy members of Christ Church hopped on a Hay wagon and
went out into Sutton singing praises to the Lord.

Here we go a Caroling on a truck pulled straw wagon. We had a blast with hot coffee and
chocolate to keep us warm in the damp cold night. The celebration continues on with a
joint Christmas Eve service with Shiloh Church.  Our Choir sang with special music from
singers of both Christ Church and Shiloh Church.  The Christmas message was presented
by the Shiloh Minister, the service ended with the lighting of the candles to bring the light
of Jesus out of the sanctuary to the music of Silent Night.  It was a very lovely service.

Everyone went home with joy in their hearts.  But now the celebration is just begining for
Jesus the Christ was born in a stable in a manger, dressed in swaddling clothes and laid in
a manger to bring light the the world.

The month of December was one of celebration. That celebration ended with a fifth
Sunday sing.  A great service was held featuring the music of the Bluegrass quartet
Soldiers of the Cross followed by a trip for the children to an amusement facility at  
Fairmont.   Merry Christmas to all, and to all A Happy New Year.