In Germany, “Weihnachtsgottesdienst” or “Christmas Worship” is generally celebrated in an evening service on Christmas Eve. Traditional German carols are sung, the story of Jesus’ birth is told, and the pastor tells of how the Christ child’s birth opens the door to “Peace on Earth, Good will to all.”
In Ahwatukee, Mountain View Lutheran Church’s “Deutschsprachiger Weihnachtgottesdienst” (German language Christmas service) takes place a little sooner. This year it was on Dec. 16, but the message and meaning is the same and Germans, Austrians and Swiss from all over the state gathered to share traditions they brought with them when they emigrated to the U.S.
This is the third year Mountain View has hosted this event, with an attendance of nearly 400. A good number of non-German speakers were among the attendees. Volunteers from the local German community, both young and old, shared their talents in words and music, presenting the Christmas Pageant. Even for those not fluent in German, the message was loud and clear. After the service, tea and cookies were available in MVLC’s adjacent Family Life Center with live background music by a string group, Das Kuchen Quartett.
If you are interested in learning about next year’s service, or would like to participate in its preparation, contact Heike Davis at heikedavis@cox.net or Ingeborg Mack at ingeborg07@hotmail.com.
