If you are ever near Knoxville on Christmas Even and want to experience an incredible worship, come to St. John's! This year we held the candlelight services at 6:30 and 9:30 and both were packed to standing room only. Nancy and I served as greeters, and Craig saved us some great seats up front.
Jacob stepped into the shoes of his older brother Stephen, taking on the role of the Bible bearer.
The St. John's sanctuary is decorated with two trees filled with white Chrismond ornaments, which were handmade by church members many years ago. The pews are topped by candles, and for the service everyone in the congregation had a candle of their own.
The music was incredible, with the organ and choir complemented by a trumpet and flute.
Shawn White, on trumpet, joins us for all major events and festivals. He's practically part of the family!
The church is decorated for the Christmas season with dozens (hundreds?) of poinsettia plants.
Christmas Eve is a "high mass", which means it is formal, including a full Gospel procession. Before the Gospel is read, the Bible is led by the crucifer and torch bearers down the steps into the center of the sanctuary.
Jacob as Bible bearer holds the big Bible over his head while walking down the steps. Thank goodness he didn't trip! The torch bearers are in front of him, while Pastor Steve gives him plenty of room before following. The Christ candle is lit in the middle of the Advent wreath, signifying that Christmas is here (almost!)
The group stops in the middle of the sanctuary for the Gospel reading.
We love the symbolism of the Gospel procession and the immediacy of the Gospel being read right in the middle of the congregation.
Jacob stepped into the shoes of his older brother Stephen, taking on the role of the Bible bearer.
The St. John's sanctuary is decorated with two trees filled with white Chrismond ornaments, which were handmade by church members many years ago. The pews are topped by candles, and for the service everyone in the congregation had a candle of their own.
The music was incredible, with the organ and choir complemented by a trumpet and flute.
Shawn White, on trumpet, joins us for all major events and festivals. He's practically part of the family!
The church is decorated for the Christmas season with dozens (hundreds?) of poinsettia plants.
Christmas Eve is a "high mass", which means it is formal, including a full Gospel procession. Before the Gospel is read, the Bible is led by the crucifer and torch bearers down the steps into the center of the sanctuary.
Jacob as Bible bearer holds the big Bible over his head while walking down the steps. Thank goodness he didn't trip! The torch bearers are in front of him, while Pastor Steve gives him plenty of room before following. The Christ candle is lit in the middle of the Advent wreath, signifying that Christmas is here (almost!)
The group stops in the middle of the sanctuary for the Gospel reading.
We love the symbolism of the Gospel procession and the immediacy of the Gospel being read right in the middle of the congregation.
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