In Brazilian culture celebrations are always on the eve of the day. Hence Christmas Eve is the main celebration of Christmas. For us this was our church Christmas service from 7:30 pm to just gone 9:00 pm followed by the traditional Christmas supper. Our Christmas service was comprised of entirely carols for the praise and worship, the dedication of a little baby girl called Liz, and three special moments. The first was "Hark the Herald Angels sing" sung by a quartet and which was expressed by ballet by our granddaughter Alice, aged 14, and Milena. It was beautiful.
The second special participation was very moving. This was a Brazilian carol sung by Philip (recorded) which was signed by the deaf and sign language interpreters. This included the new interpreters who have learnt Brazilian sign language during the pandemic from our deaf pastor Luis Carlos. I always find the plunge into the deaf people's silent world to be very touching.
Then the final special moment was a 15 minute one-act Nativity Play which was very well acted. The theme was to emphasize the true Biblical origin of the manger scene as opposed to some modern women who thought that was all religious fanaticism. After this I preached a short Gospel message.
The service ended up with the giving of gifts and sweets to all the church children who come along regularly to Sunday School. It was a lovely service.
After church the family came to our house for the Christmas Eve supper. We relaxed together and talked and laughed a lot. I ended up getting to bed at 1.30 am.
I have just seen a Glittering-bellied Emerald Humming Bird in our front garden. We were dreaming of a wet Christmas, but unfortunately the drought continues.
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