Christmas Eve

We’ve waited — perhaps patiently, hopefully faithfully — and finally Christmas is nearly here. I’m so excited to celebrate the birth of ourLord with you tomorrow!

Here’s what you need to know:

Where: At Rivendell School, 5700 Lee Hwy., Arlington, VA 22207.

When: Tuesday Dec. 24, at 4 pm and 8 pm.

What: A Eucharist service of lessons and carols. What does that mean, you ask? It means we’ll hear great scriptures, sing your favorite carols, and join together for a joyful celebration of Communion.

What about kids?

• The services will be identical, but the 4 pm service will be especially suitable for children.
• Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite character from the nativity story.
• Nursery care will be offered at 4 pm only.

Where should I park? Great question. There are a number of areas where you can park; see a map here.

• the Lee Recreation Center:  parking lot (entrance on N. Lexington St.), and street parking surrounding playing fields (N. Kentucky St. and 24th St. N.)
• parking lot at Rivendell (off of N. Kentucky St.)
• behind shopping center, between N. Lexington and N. Madison)
• the District Taco parking lot

If you are parking on a residential street, please be careful not to block driveways.

What should I bring? Mostly, just bring yourself, ready to give thanks for and celebrate the birth of our savior! Bringing family, friends, and neighbors is also highly encouraged. Finally, every year at Restoration we offer two ways to give to some of the vulnerable in our community:

• Financially: This year, all of the monetary offerings we receive on Christmas Eve will be donated to Courtney’s House, a local organization that rescues and cares for children in the DC area who have been trafficked. We love the work that Courtney’s House is doing, and we’re pleased to support them.
• Child care items for Doorways: Doorways for Women and Families is an Arlington non-profit that cares for and supports women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We are collecting new, unused items that Doorways needs for its safe house, especially:
  • diapers (all sizes)
  • baby wipes
  • baby blankets
  • baby bottles and nipples
  • baby grooming kits
  • baby and kid t-shirts
  • baby and kid pjs
  • “no tears” body wash
  • baby clothes
  • hair brushes
  • hair ties
  • shower shoes for kids and adults

Just as the Wise Men brought gifts of great value to Jesus, we’re grateful for this opportunity to give generously to some of the most vulnerable children in our community.

That’s it — see you tomorrow! And Merry Christmas!

– Erin