Christmas Lovefeast

Last Sunday marked the 45th annual Christmas Lovefeast and Candlelight service at Wake Forest University. The custom originated in Europe in 1747 and was established six years later in North Carolina. Today, people of all religious beliefs and backgrounds join in on this Moravian tradition.

Before this year's Lovefeast, I hosted a cocktail party at my apartment, which was outfitted in its Christmas best, with a cozy fire and elegant tree. We all enjoyed mingling and catching up, and I had fun making various introductions between different groups of friends. Several hors d'oeuvres and cocktails later, we bundled up and set off for the service, which was easy to spot, as it was landmarked by hundreds of luminaries lighting the way.

We gathered in the beautiful Wait Chapel and awaited with much anticipation for the event to commence. Music created by voice, flutes, and bells would soon fill my spirit with a feeling impossible to describe. The sermon incorporated a message of humility, a much needed spin on the original Christmas story. While reflecting on those powerful words, I stole a glance of both my friends and total strangers, and felt incredibly blessed to be in such loving company.

After partaking in the traditional coffee and Moravian buns, the lights dimmed to prepare for a moment that would capture the essence of the night. As we all held high our small beeswax candles, we sang with our hearts proclaiming "Joy to the World." This night is perhaps the most magical moment of the Christmas season- a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ, the love we have for one another, and the excitement and joy that fills us all in this wonderful time of year.