Slow down, you move too fast...

That's what I kept thinking at the candlelight service last night. Granted, there were a bunch of children there, some of whom were super excited and ready for candles! and presents! and CHRISTMAS YAAAAAAY! And that's fine, don't get me wrong--we ought to be excited and joyous. But. We had *one* carol each at the beginning and end of the service (three verses of "Joy to the World" and one of "Silent Night"); we had *one* responsive reading; the pastor read all the Scriptures almost too fast to keep up with; and the whole thing took half an hour from start to finish.
It just felt... perfunctory.
Slow down. Stop and think--really think--about what Christmas means. Dig out some of the old carols and listen to the words. Take the time to remind yourself just what happened two thousand-ish years ago. Try to get your head around it if you can.

The One Himself has entered into Arda. And though the healing is not yet complete, He will not fail to complete it in His time.

This Flower, Whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.
True Man yet very God, from sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
Unto us a Son is given....

The kingdom of this world is become
The kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ, and of His Christ!
And He shall reign forever and ever!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our Heavenly Lord,
Who hath made heaven and earth of naught
And with His blood mankind hath bought!
Noel, noel, noel, noel!
Born is the King of Israel!

Merry Christmas, y'all. :)