When I was a young boy one of my fondest memories of Christmas was when my parents would read us the Christmas story from the Bible (Luke 2) while my sister, brother and I sipped hot chocolate in our pajamas. Then we would each get a lit candle and walk to bed singing “Silent Night”.
Christmas is a time of wonder.
Christmas is a time of wonder. And it is a wonderful time. It is the season when we commemorate and celebrate the mystery of the Word made Flesh. God incarnate – Jesus, born into the world in a stable with smelly animals, yet worshipped by shepherds and wise men. He came into our world as a baby totally dependent on the care of others. And from those humble beginnings Jesus grew, dwelt among us, taught us, and died for us.
Children possess a natural sense of awe and wonder. It is apparent on their faces during Christmas time. We need to retain that childlike awe. Jesus taught us that we need to be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5). Simple and marvelous.
Christmas is for children. Celebrate with them – be like a child. Celebrate with awe and wonder.
There are many Christmas and Christmas Eve church services around Albuquerque. Some of them are listed below.
Christmas Eve by Candlelight, for Kids and the Young at Heart – 5 PM at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Road NE (just west of University Blvd). More info, call 505-242-5942 or www.StPaulABQ.org.
Christmas Eve Service for children of all ages at St. Timothy’s Church, 211 Jefferson NE at 7 PM.
Bring your children to a special family service December 24, Christmas Eve, 3 PM at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Rd.
Christmas Eve service, 5 PM, featuring children’s sermon and children’s choir at St. Michael’s Church, 601 Montano Rd NW (just west of 4th Street).
Christmas Eve Children’s Mass, 4pm, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, complete with children re-enacting the Christmas story. 9502 4th Street. 505-898-5253.
Children’s Christmas Mass, 5 PM at Prince of Peace, 12500 Carmel Avenue NE. Children in the choir and as characters in the Nativity Gospel enactment. 505-797-9115.
St. John’s Methodist Church family service, 4 PM, December 24, Christmas Eve. 2626 Arizona NE. 505-883-9717.
Christmas Eve 3 PM service led by children and youth choirs at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. NW, 505-898-1327.
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