25 November - First Advent in Germany

Today was the first Sunday of our first Advent in Germany.  We had a great weekend, establishing some Christmas traditions while we are here.  On Saturday evening, we took in our first evening "Weihnachtsmarkt" experience.  We met our friends Eric, Natalka and Lilya Eagle (and met some new friends!) in the beautiful village of Michelstadt.  The village is situated in the Odenwald, a range of wooded mountains that run north and south just east of Darmstadt.

Michelstadt Weihnactsmarkt

The weather was very mild, and the town was decorated beautifully.  We had some of the local specialties - bratwurst (of course!), curry wurst, fresh crepes and "gluwein," a warm, spiced punch.  There were rides for the kids, all the shops were open, and were supplemented by dozens of temporary kiosks where artisans were selling all sorts of gifts and decorations for Christmas.  The highlight was a life-sized, hand-carved, wooden Nativity scene in the town center.

Nativity Scene in Michelstadt

Today we worshiped at Immanuel International Baptist Church in Wiesbaden, with several families from our Darmstadt church-plant group.  It was a great service, and set the tone for the entire Advent season - we not only look forward to Christmas, remembering Christ's first coming, but we look forward to His second coming - "with great power and glory."

St Ludwigs Church, Darmstadt

In the afternoon, we attended an Advent Concert at the St. Ludwig church in Darmstadt, which featured vocal choruses, pipe organ music, and readings by Alexander U. Martens, a local author and professor.  We met Stewart and Judith Lynn Maxwell there.  It was a well done and very enjoyable. A delightful weekend of worship and preparation for this great season.  Our prayer is that we can share the true significance of the holiday with people all around us in the weeks ahead.