Carols in the park

Carols in the park is a tradition that occurs in towns all across Australia. We were very excited to be a part of it. Ours was not in the park, instead it was in front of the town hall. We enjoyed this outdoor event in our shorts in about 75 degree weather. It started at 7 p.m. with the moderator telling about the true meaning of Christmas. This was followed by the scripture about Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem and finding no

room in the hostel (inn)

After this some public school children sang carols and Christmas songs. The audience also joined in on singing many carols. We then had another scripture reading and another precessional .

After singing and hearing more carols, we enjoyed the highlight of the evening. This was the scripture reading about the wise men visiting Jesus. The wise men arrived in style. What a treat!!!

After the arrival of the wise men, a good friend of ours (a great Christian and a recorded musician) performed a few songs. The evening ended around 9 with the presenting of the gospel message. We were in awe that this performance could be had in front of the town hall. What amazes me even more is that this town of 10,000 has fewer people attending church on Sunday morning than what attends First Baptist WP on Sunday morning.

Even though we miss home, the american traditions and all the snow that West Plains is getting, we feel humbled and blessed to be here and experience Christmas in Australia.