An invitation to a Christmas Eve candlelight service commemorating the first Christmas Eve at Germanna.   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:11   The members of Agnus Dei (Latin-Lamb of God) Lutheran Church are having another church service at the Germanna Visitor Center in Locust Grove, Virginia, and are inviting members and friends of the Germanna Foundation to join us for a Christmas Eve worship service on Wednesday December 24, 2008 at 6:30pm.   This is a traditional candlelight service with one minor twist:  unlike the service in 1714, the candles (through the use of modern technology) will be battery-operated LEDs.   Since there is a significant appreciation of the German language, we will be singing many traditional hymns in German, English, Latin, and Spanish. Consider this a multi-lingual or international Christmas service. Don't worry if you don't know the language, we have specially prepared versions of the hymns that will help most any English speaking person pronounce the lyrics correctly.   So come out and join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas Eve, and thank God for his Providence to the people of Germanna for nearly 300 years in America.   "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". -Isaiah 9:6 --------------------------- Rev. James R Shaw http://www.adlutheran.org/ Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Spotsylvania County, VA 540-446-0777

Hi Marc, That sounds like such a special way to spend Christmas Eve! I'll think of you while I'm holding my real candle and singing Silent Night at First Lutheran Church here in St. Helens. Your e-mail made me think of our proposed service at Hebron Lutheran during the reunion. Does Rev. Shaw speak German? Our former pastor at First Lutheran (now retired), Rev. Gary Heide, is fluent in German and could plan and lead a German service. He also has a beautiful voice for singing the liturgy. First Lutheran is part of the ELCA as is Hebron Lutheran. I have not approached him to see if he is available or interested, this is just a thought I had with no attention to any logistics ... assume he would need the Foundation to pay his way there and perhaps there may be someone closer that could do the service in German. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Cathi

Would you be willing to share this with me. Don't worry if you don't know the language, we have specially prepared versions of the hymns that will help most any English speaking person pronounce the lyrics correctly. I would love to sing some of the old hymns in German. Larry Goettel fishing@kiva.net Larry Goettel Bishop Robert R. Roberts Memorial Association, Inc at Lawrenceport, Indiana http://www.hpcisp.com/~jsend/