The Blessing of the Babies

One neat event at our church is the Hanging of the Greens service, a Scottish service complete with bagpipers and drums and traditional carols. It's always the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is the first Sunday in Advent, and it's the perfect kick-off to the holiday season. The church is beautifully adorned with garlands everywhere and many people have already pulled out their holiday wardrobe.

This year the service had special interest to us because we could be a part of the annual Blessing of the Babies. All the babies born in 2010, along with their parents, are brought to the front of the church for a special prayer. Adam, being a January baby, was the oldest one present. It was a special moment as we bowed our heads in prayer, standing between two couples who are close friends and fellow new parents. You may recognize our friend Chris who officiated Adam's baptism and who completely upstaged the rest of us by bringing his son Noah in a matching kilt. Always a sucker for attention, Chris... :)

Adam was wonderful during the service, considering the 6pm hour is dinner time and heading toward bedtime. He was especially fascinated by the loud bagpipes and drum that were only a few rows before us.

After the service we took some photos at the church's Christmas tree and in front of a fireplace backdrop. We're looking forward to sitting Adam in front of a real fireplace when we're in Illinois!

Christmas festivities 2010, click to enlarge