boys from all over the city and county. Made friendships that were different from the ones that I gained in school. Christmas Eve service was always one of my two favorite services during the year. I can remember taking a nap after supper on Christmas Eve so that I could stay awake for the service. The church was always packed with people standing in the back. Always a communion service. Our minister, Rev. Batchelder, whose son Rob was in the choir with me, always had a "Christmas Watchword" instead of a sermon. Was supposed to be shorter than a sermon, since so many people had to take communion, but it never was. The church was covered with poinsettias and there were tall arborvitae trees placed on either side of the altar. To the right of the choir stalls was a carved creche that had a light in it. Looked real, especially to a young boy. Above the altar was a star that was unlit and attached to the wall above the stained glass windows. Supposed to be the Star of Bethlehem. We sang the traditional Christmas carols and always had an offertory anthem that we had practiced for months, at least it seemed like months. Everything always was so perfect. The parishioners would file past the choir as they took communion. Always enjoyed this part of the service, since the young girls, my age, would always smile as they passed by on their way to the altar rail. After communion was over, Rev. Batchelder would lead the final prayers and when it was exactly 12:00 midnight, he would stop the service and proclaim, "It's Christmas Morning, let the bells ring out!" and Mr. McConnell, our church organist and choirmaster, would sound the bells all over Lancaster from our bell tower above the church. Can still remember the melody that he would play! And as the bells were chiming away, someone in the hallway next to the church would magically turn on the Star of Bethlehem. Then the choir would process singing "Joy to the World." At that time, the choir room was next to the church and as we entered there was always a treat for the choirboys from Mr. McConnell. Usually a small choir boy in wax that had chocolate in it. Still have a few of those that we use for decorations at Christmas. It was time to head home then to try to get to sleep so Christmas morning, and the presents, could arrive. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The "Star of Bethlehem" Story
It was an ordinary day. Talking with my mom while we were having lunch at Moravian Manor, where she is a resident, about Christmas Eve service at St. James. St. James Episcopal in Lancaster, PA is where I have been a member for over 60 years. Wow, can hardly believe that, myself! Loved when I was a boy and sang in the choir. Had the best time with the other 20 or so other boys from all over the city and county. Made friendships that were different from the ones that I gained in school. Christmas Eve service was always one of my two favorite services during the year. I can remember taking a nap after supper on Christmas Eve so that I could stay awake for the service. The church was always packed with people standing in the back. Always a communion service. Our minister, Rev. Batchelder, whose son Rob was in the choir with me, always had a "Christmas Watchword" instead of a sermon. Was supposed to be shorter than a sermon, since so many people had to take communion, but it never was. The church was covered with poinsettias and there were tall arborvitae trees placed on either side of the altar. To the right of the choir stalls was a carved creche that had a light in it. Looked real, especially to a young boy. Above the altar was a star that was unlit and attached to the wall above the stained glass windows. Supposed to be the Star of Bethlehem. We sang the traditional Christmas carols and always had an offertory anthem that we had practiced for months, at least it seemed like months. Everything always was so perfect. The parishioners would file past the choir as they took communion. Always enjoyed this part of the service, since the young girls, my age, would always smile as they passed by on their way to the altar rail. After communion was over, Rev. Batchelder would lead the final prayers and when it was exactly 12:00 midnight, he would stop the service and proclaim, "It's Christmas Morning, let the bells ring out!" and Mr. McConnell, our church organist and choirmaster, would sound the bells all over Lancaster from our bell tower above the church. Can still remember the melody that he would play! And as the bells were chiming away, someone in the hallway next to the church would magically turn on the Star of Bethlehem. Then the choir would process singing "Joy to the World." At that time, the choir room was next to the church and as we entered there was always a treat for the choirboys from Mr. McConnell. Usually a small choir boy in wax that had chocolate in it. Still have a few of those that we use for decorations at Christmas. It was time to head home then to try to get to sleep so Christmas morning, and the presents, could arrive. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
boys from all over the city and county. Made friendships that were different from the ones that I gained in school. Christmas Eve service was always one of my two favorite services during the year. I can remember taking a nap after supper on Christmas Eve so that I could stay awake for the service. The church was always packed with people standing in the back. Always a communion service. Our minister, Rev. Batchelder, whose son Rob was in the choir with me, always had a "Christmas Watchword" instead of a sermon. Was supposed to be shorter than a sermon, since so many people had to take communion, but it never was. The church was covered with poinsettias and there were tall arborvitae trees placed on either side of the altar. To the right of the choir stalls was a carved creche that had a light in it. Looked real, especially to a young boy. Above the altar was a star that was unlit and attached to the wall above the stained glass windows. Supposed to be the Star of Bethlehem. We sang the traditional Christmas carols and always had an offertory anthem that we had practiced for months, at least it seemed like months. Everything always was so perfect. The parishioners would file past the choir as they took communion. Always enjoyed this part of the service, since the young girls, my age, would always smile as they passed by on their way to the altar rail. After communion was over, Rev. Batchelder would lead the final prayers and when it was exactly 12:00 midnight, he would stop the service and proclaim, "It's Christmas Morning, let the bells ring out!" and Mr. McConnell, our church organist and choirmaster, would sound the bells all over Lancaster from our bell tower above the church. Can still remember the melody that he would play! And as the bells were chiming away, someone in the hallway next to the church would magically turn on the Star of Bethlehem. Then the choir would process singing "Joy to the World." At that time, the choir room was next to the church and as we entered there was always a treat for the choirboys from Mr. McConnell. Usually a small choir boy in wax that had chocolate in it. Still have a few of those that we use for decorations at Christmas. It was time to head home then to try to get to sleep so Christmas morning, and the presents, could arrive. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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