Phone: +972-(0)2-626-6800 Fax: +972-(0)2-628-5764 Address: Muristan Road P.O. Box 14076 Jerusalem 91140 via Israel
Sunday
the second of December was a special day for the Lutheran congregation of Beit
Sahour, with a special early evening worship service. Celebrating the first
Sunday in Advent is a custom that the congregation loves, as we gather in the
evening lifting hearts and voices, sharing hymns, gospel readings, and
meditations. All of this prepares and reminds the faithful hearts and
souls of the coming of the Prince of Peace and love, and this year was no
different.
By six o’clock the congregation was gathered in the sanctuary that was decorated
by the lights of candles. Sounds of church bells, lighting the first candle on
the advent wreath and lifting up a hymn of thanksgiving marked the eagerness of
the congregation for this hour of worship.
After the worship service the congregation gathered in the church hall sharing
some snacks and a glass of wine discussing and sharing together. The
warmth and joy of the season and their love for one another other shone through
some of the lamenting over the hardships of the current situation, and the joy
of Advent was the celebrating mood of that evening.
Thanks to Vicar Imad Haddad for writing this entry and sending the photos!