Christmas Eve 2023

Since Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday this year, we began our day at the 9:00 a.m. Christmas Eve service at Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene.  The fifth and last candle of Advent was lit - the Christ candle which was white and taller and more brilliant than all the other candles. Praise be to God for giving us the Gift of His Son, Jesus.

The Worship Team led us in some wonderful Christmas songs, followed by a Christmas message by Pastor Steve.

Then we hurried home to get everything ready for the family to arrive at our house at 3:00 o'clock.

Lori and Dave were the first to arrive, and Lori helped with last minute prepping.

Steve, Sharon, Brianna and Brooke were the next to arrive.  We were so glad Brianna got to be here from Nashville.

 ~ Jerry and Me ~

Jeremy, Sam, Izzy, Landon and Ellie arrived last.  Ellie was feeling under the weather so I didn't get a family picture of them, but thankfully she perked up enough later on to join in most of the festivities.

~ The Grands, Brooke, Izzy and Landon ~

~ Brianna, Steve, Sharon, Samantha and Jerry ~

~ Jeremy, Dave and Lori ~

After our Italian-themed dinner served buffet style - a copy-cat Olive Garden Salad and rolls, Lasagna Roll-ups, Chicken Parmesan, Corn Pudding and Broccoli Gratin served with Sparkling White Grape Juice - we went into the family room for our Christmas Eve festivities.  We didn't have our Birthday Cake for Jesus until later in the evening.  I didn't order a Cassata cake from the bakery this year, but made Chocolate Mound and Boston Cream cakes.

Every year Jerry asks a different family member to read the Christmas Story from Luke 2: 1-20 and this year Jeremy read it.

This year Steve requested something new to our celebration gathering.  Since Luke obtained his information for the writing of the Christmas Story in his Gospel from Mary the Mother of Jesus, Steve asked me if I'd share with them and the grandchildren my recollections of their [Lori, Steve and Jeremy's] birth, from the time of conception, throughout my pregnancy, and their birth and hospital stay.  He said none of them had ever heard details beyond the date and time they entered this world and thought it would be meaningful.  I didn't have to do a lot of thinking because I remembered each of their births vividly.   It's something a mother never forgets.  They were all grateful I retold their stories. Jerry and I are so blessed and thankful that God gave each of them, their spouses, and children to us to love and enjoy.

Then it was gift time.  We start with the youngest and go in order to the oldest so everyone can see what each other receives.

~ Ellie ~

~ Landon ~

~ Izzy and Brooke ~

~ Brianna [she and Brooke loved their jewelry/music boxes] ~

I didn't take pictures of the adults opening their gifts, and will share pictures of what I received in a separate post.  None of Lori's children were with us this year.  Brandon has moved to New York City, Tiffany, John and their two little girls have moved to California, but we Facetimed them during the evening and included them that way.

After our Birthday Cake for Jesus, we played a few rounds of the Christmas version of Family Feud.  It was so much fun and I highly recommed this game for your Christmas gatherings next year.

Jeremy and family had a 3-hour drive back to their home in Zeeland, and Steve was exhausted [although he didn't let it hinder his celebrating with us] from preaching two Christmas Eve services, so our evening ended around 9:00 o'clock - the earliet everyone's ever gone home, but it was a great Christmas Eve!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Eve as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.