Mayodan Moravian Christmas LoveFeast and Candlelight Service

103 South 3rd Avenue,Mayodan NC 27027

24 December, 2021

Description

Join Mayodan Moravian for their annual Christmas Lovefeast and Candlelight Service. Make your reservations now for this Christmas tradition! The first Moravian Lovefeast was served in Germany on August 13th, 1727, following the Renewal of the Moravian Church. Moravians are spiritual descendants of the Czech reformer Jan Hus, who was martyred in 1415. Moravians were sending missionaries around the world – including North America in 1735. Permanent settlements were established in Pennsylvania (Bethlehem 1741), North Carolina (Bethabara 1753 and Salem 1766) and elsewhere. The Lovefeast is a simple meal shared in a spirit of reverence and joy that Christ is present in our lives. The actual food and drink may vary considerably; in the Caribbean you may drink tea, in Africa you may eat peanuts. In America the traditional Lovefeast consists of a sweetened bun and coffee – but it could be a cookie and juice as well. Those who serve the meal are called Dieners, which is German for “server.” The manner of serving may also vary – except that all wait until all have been served and the Pastor has asked the Blessing. Some congregations listen to the choir sign hymns and anthems while they enjoy the Lovefeast meal; in other congregations, people speak quietly with their neighbors about their spiritual journey. For 270 years the Lovefeast has maintained its dignity and grace. In 1762 lighted candles, symbolizing the flame of love, were used in Bethabara and Bethania, N.C., and in their diary of 1770 it records that they joyfully carried them home, still burning. The traditional beeswax candle continues to be a central part of Moravian Christmas celebrations. While there are local variations—the size of the candle, how its base is trimmed, how they are presented during Christmas Eve services—the light of the beeswax candle remains a powerful symbol of the light Jesus brought to the world.