Christmas at the Chapel
White feathered wings
stir silently, like thistles floating on the summer air. Delicate, slipper-clad
feet move effortlessly along the center aisle toward Mary and Joseph, the Christ
Child, the wise men, a donkey, some sheep and a silver star that wobbles along a
hand drawn pulley and slowly comes to rest over the manger scene. A tinkling
chime sounds in the distance. There is the pure fragrance of beeswax from a sea
of burning candles. Someone is telling the story of what happened the night
Jesus Christ was born; and there is the sound of children's voices singing
"Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia," a balm unlike any other. It is Christmas, come
again.
The Chapel Live Nativity Scene is an annual outdoor reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is thought of by Chapel members as a gift to the Wimberley community. Great care is taken and much time spent on creating the many costumes required for such a production, setting the scene, acquiring real animals, actors, and the many behind-the-scenes helpers that are needed. The Nativity Scene is scheduled on two nights during the last weeks of December. Guests are encouraged to step out of their cars and view the scene in a more personal way, although some prefer to simply drive through the outer loop driveway that is lit by luminaria. For those who choose to view the scene up close and personal, an invitation is extended to come inside, warm up and enjoy refreshments of hot chocolate and home made cookies served in the church kitchen. There are several decorated and lit Christmas trees and a beautiful indoor manger scene to enjoy along the way to the kitchen. The dates of the reenactment are posted each year in the local newspaper and on the activities page of the Chapel web page.
Christmas
Brunch
In 2005, Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, and it was considered a time of
exultation. To celebrate, it was decided that a Christmas Brunch was in order
and would be served at 10 a.m., prior to the 11 a.m. worship service. Tray after
tray of Christmas delicacies arrived in the kitchen, lovingly prepared by the
good cooks at the Chapel. There were tiny sausages and fluffy egg soufflés and
baskets of mile high biscuits accompanied by bowls of real butter and home made
jellies and jams. There were sticky cinnamon rolls, grand trays laden with
fruit, and boards loaded down with crispy fried bacon. Buffet tables were laid
with red and white cloths, candles and flowers in the Parks Johnson Room and
Christmas carols were played and sung as members and guests gathered around the
piano with their final cup of coffee or tea before the Christmas morning worship
service.
It was a time of great joy.