“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Norman Vincent Peale
Several years ago, John and I enjoyed a Moravian Love Feast in Old Salem, NC. I can still taste that sweet, hot, milky coffee and the Moravian sugar cake that was served. It was melt-in-my-mouth delicious! Sharing this time of fellowship with complete strangers, we exchanged smiles and sighs of pleasure.
The Candle Tea is sponsored by the Women’s Fellowship of the Home Moravian Church.
We also sang Christmas carols to the accompaniment of the 1797 Tanneberg organ, viewed the putz/miniature replica of early Salem, and listened to the Christmas story.
As I absorbed this time in the Single Brothers’ House, I was as wide-eyed as any child and walked out of the building looking up to the grandeur of a starry night. Once again, Christmas caught me.
Food brings friends, families, and communities together. Whether it is a holiday meal where many contribute or a shared cup of hot tea with ginger snaps for dipping between two friends, the time is about fellowship and remembrance. In the South, both are vital.
A Moravian Love Feast is a time of spiritual fellowship. Traditional simplicity is the model.
A grace was prayed in unison. “Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be, And bless these gifts bestowed by Thee. Amen” is the customary Moravian prayer. Hymns were sung, and the choir sang.
Religion and community life blended together on the same path in a Moravian community in early America. Their old style love feasts have stood the test of time.
Doesn’t this sound like a lovely time? If you need a Moravian recipe for sugar cake, they are available. Or you might want to know that Fresh Market stocks these scrumptious squares. And, yes, we had warm Moravian sugar cake for breakfast this morning.
It is the season to celebrate. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas!
Sheila Ingle 