So we had the Christmas Eve service at the church. It was more or less the typical service we have always had at Christmas Eve. Readings of the appropriate passages from Matthew and Luke interspersed with the usual carols and a special music piece or two. The usual service of course always ends with the candle lighting and singing of Silent Night. And then everyone goes home.
This year the service was the same. Except for that last part. We still lit the candles. But we didn't sing Silent Night. At least not while standing in the pews. We lit the candles and filed out the door to gather in front of the church. Then we sang Silent Night..
