Old First Church holds Christmas Eve celebration
By Michael Albans, Bennington Banner
OLD BENNINGTON — The promise to all of us this night, of light and release, and of joy.”
Those were some of the touching words from an old hymn that rang out at the Old First Church on Christmas Eve as the warm glow of candles lit the coming darkness in Old Bennington.
Worshippers, community members, and all welcome souls came by the dozens- young children in their finest Christmas outfits, old folks holding hands- they all came to pray, celebrate, and sing praise to the special birth 2000 years ago whose message still profoundly resonates today as it did centuries ago.
“Given to us this truth, an older than imagined promise, a promise older than all of us kept in the darkness of Bethlehem that night under a star, a manger to show God’s love,” said Kenneth Clarke, Minister at the Old First Church. “They’re not just our dreams that go, or our children’s future, but this promise, this night, is a promise remembered for all times, promise kept to us, which dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere- the promise to all of us of light and release and of joy. The promise calls us through the most difficult times into the light of God’s love. Nothing in this world can keep us from that promise, that promise made that night and made a new this night, that promise to go forward heaven towards God’s great light.”
Parishioners filled the ancient boxed pews and balcony of the oldest surviving church in Vermont and sang of that promise behind the warm, yellow glow of the candles that lit up the windows in the darkness outside. Inside, song and laughter of the children who invited, made their way up to the pulpit with broad smiles. A young boy held tight to his mother as both sang. A young girl wearing bright neon angel wings balanced herself, sideways, in the aisle as the ushers made their way with wicker baskets. An older couple, her head resting on his shoulder as he raised his voice in song.
Afterward, the people departed and gathered with candles outside, joining in singing Silent Night as the last flurries fell on the snow-covered ground. There were handshakes, hugs, and, for the children, the promise of Santa and presents the following day. For all, there was a filling of our spiritual tank.
“This night- to love, to care. This child, this night, all nights, means we journey on toward new days, new light, following stars and angels, never ceasing our praise and thanks.”
The Old First Congregational Church was first gathered on December 3, 1762, 262 years ago. They hold their annual Christmas Eve celebration each Christmas Eve right after dusk. All are welcome.
