a long awaited pleasure

Over the years friends have invited me several times to attend the annual Advent Candlelight Service at Trinity English Lutheran Church here in Fort Wayne.  This year I was finally able to attend and it was beautiful.  My friend suggested that we sit in one of the side balconies, which we did (front row).  it gave us a perfect view of the various processions and the bell choir in the balcony across from us  Beautiful music all the way through.  I discovered, coincidentally that my financial adviser plays the Glockenspiel.  The absolute high point of the evening for me was the St. Lucia procession at the end of the program.  I was born on St. Lucia's Day and my name is Luci and all my life I've heard about girls representing St. Lucia walking in processions with a crown of lighted candles on their heads but I had never actually seen it until today.  The young lady in the "starring role" this year had a lovely voice and carried herself quite regally.  As she stood at the front of the darkened church, other girls carrying candles moved along the aisles lighting the candles people held, who then lit their neighbor's candles and on and on.  From our place in the balcony we had a beautiful view of the flickering lights gradually spreading through the whole church.  Really lovely and very moving, a fine way to start the Christmas season..