LOVEFEAST   
A MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS EVE
CANDLE LIGHT LOVE FEAST


Painting by Marie Brewer Nifong
4th & 5th great granddaughter of Adam Spach
Founder of Friedberg Moravian Church

The Christmas Eve Candle Light Love Feast is an old tradition among the Moravian Churches. The services varies among the Moravian Churches, but the basic tradition is generally followed.  These services are usually open to the community at large and many churches require two or three services.

There is a band prelude outside the church for thirty minutes as the people begin to arrive, then the band comes in and sits in the balcony and takes part in the music program.

As the congregation sings Christmas Hymns, they are served by "dieners" which is German for "one who waits at tables."  Baskets of sweet buns are passed up and down the pews. Next, the dieners, accompanied by the "coffee carriers" passed cups of steaming coffee down the pews. 

When everyone is served, the Pastor leads the congregation in the "Moravian Blessing."

"Come, Lord Jesus, our Guest to be,
Bless these gifts, bestowed by thee.
Amen

The meal is then eaten as the choir sings several  selections of Christmas anthems, and when everyone has eaten, the cups are gathered by the dieners and coffee makers.

Then comes the moment people are eager to see.  The lights are dimmed, and the dieners enter carrying trays of candles with only 1 candle lit.  They light each candle as it is passed down the pews.  With each lit candle, the room gradually becomes brighter and brighter.

When everyone has been given a lighted candle, the dieners will stand at the Alter with the Pastor.  The Pastor will usually speak the words Jesus said, "I am the light of the world!" and to his disciples, He said, "You are the light of the world!"

The congregation stands and, accompanied by the choir and band, they sing "Joy To The World" holding their candles high while singing the last stanza.  Those who attend the Moravian Christmas Eve Lovefeasts are filled with the Christmas Spirit and are reminded of the real meaning of Christmas.