Christmas Carol Service

Today the whole village was invited to the Methodist Church for a Christmas Carol Service.  The primary school did the program.  I didn't know what was really going on until I got there. The Church was beautiful.  Really old and just incredible.  I wanted to get pictures of the inside but I didn't want to be disrespectful - and since no one else was taking pictures I figured I shouldn't.  It was like right out of a movie! Kind of cold, really big and not like the churches I have been in before.  So many people from the village were there.  All the kids from the school came over to participate.  I find it very interesting that no matter the religion, everyone was invited to come celebrate the birth of Christ together.
Some of the children read the bible verses about Christ's birth and between some of the verses the children all sang Christmas songs.  It was incredible the reverence.  The kids were all quiet and sang so beautifully.  It brought tears to my eyes.  There is nothing like listening to children sing.
They also had some kids play guitars and we sang along.  After the Bible story the Reverend stood up, prayed with us, talked about the real reason we celebrate Christmas and how we can be excited about presents, Santa, decorations and other things, we shouldn't forget about our Savior Jesus Christ.  We prayed together again and the kids sang as we left the building.  It was very different but absolutely wonderful.  People from all denominations came together to celebrate the real reason for the season.  I loved that the whole school participated.
I am so very grateful for the chance we have to come here.  What a great experience for all of us!