Moravian Customs and Other Matters of Interest

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1918 Excerpt: ... XIV. HOW DOES THE MORAVIAN CHURCH CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS? Formerly the custom prevailed throughout the Church of having two services on Christmas Eve. In the afternoon a love feast particularly for children was held. A brief address especially appropriate for children was delivered on that occasion. The choir rendered an anthem and the hymn entitled Morning Star was sung antiphonally by a soloist, the choir and the children. Lighted tapers were distributed among the children, the minister also receiving one. The lights typified the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. The second service of the day was likewise a love feast. This time the whole congregation joined in the worship of the Saviour. After the singing of Silent Night, the minister led in prayer, read the lesson and delivered an address on The Light of the World. A short service of song and praise followed, the hymns and anthems being sung antiphonally. Lighted tapers were again distributed during the singing of a hymn bearing on Christ as the Light of the World. A few congregations still follow this order in slightly modified form. In others the principal features of the two services are beautifully combined in a service held at an early hour in the evening on account of the little children. Some congregations omit the love feast and make the service largely liturgical. In this case either the choir or a quartet sings Silent Night, at the beginning of the service. After the address delivered by the minister, lights are turned out, and while the choir and a soloist sing the antiphon Morning Star, lighted tapers are distributed among those present. The effect is always beautiful and impressive. On Christmas Day, it is customary to have a morning service with sermon, ...