I'd been told about this event by a dear friend of mine. When she spoke of it her eyes lit up, and she almost whispered as she shared her experience. I knew without a doubt that I had to experience this for myself.
One day. One moment. One morning to absolutely have my heart in my throat and eyes full of wonder and amazement of this Glorious Morning!
(keep in mind I really wasn't sure what I was about to experience, had no time to test lighting, and didn't have a tripod with me. You are seeing all of the photos in the exact way I experienced the moment. very very minor editing involved short of cropping and a couple of focus issues.)
Emma had to be at work in Gilroy by 7 a.m. During the drive there my eyes kept following the horizon, watching the welcoming colors of morning and hoping they would be be kind enough to accommodate my plan.
As I headed into San Juan Bautista my heart started racing a bit and I wasn't even sure if I'd arrived at the right time. Cars lined the streets and as soon as I started walking toward the mission I heard a steady drum beat...
there were about 25 people outside huddled near the doors of the mission
ready to greet the sunrise of the Winter Solstice,
and there was singing.
the beautiful voice of a Native American local
Elayne Reyna. She is the one who began this gathering years ago.
it also happens to be her birthday :-)
quiet murmurings rose up from behind me
"when are they going to open the doors?"
"soon."
was the whispered reply.
my heart started to dance
not even knowing why.
what an amazing moment to be in right then.
expecting
wondering
standing one heartbeat away from
the unexpected!
"There it is!"
I turned around...and saw this. absolute perfection.
and then the doors opened.
local worshipers and even photographers
who traveled long distances
to share in this event
all were welcomed
no discrimination
" "But the Angel said to them "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. "
Luke 2:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path"
Psalm 119:105
the bricks and chandeliers
kissed by the sun
an invitation offered to walk to the front of the
church, to experience the
beauty of it all
from every direction
Psalm 18:28
You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Truly the Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun
Is this what it felt like when Christ was born?
the expectation?
the wonder?
No grand entrance, no dancing or singing
just a humble beginning
for such a Grand King
that still holds me in a state of
awe and grace
every
single
day.
Merry Christmas
<3 <3 <3
Nan Madruga
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