In the hours after the final strains of “Amazing Grace” faded into the night, the Sanctuary with the help of about a hundred volunteers, again transformed. This time back into more of what we usually see. Yes the Christmas decorations are still in place and will be until after December 25th but lights, stages, production support stuff, window covers, all what it takes to present and produce Carols came down. It does come down a lot faster than it goes up.
As the work moved forward, there was a mixed sense of relief, pure exhaustion, satisfaction, a little sadness that we are done for this year, thankfulness that we can sit down and physically recover and gratefulness. Gratefulness is the best part.
For in that room that was filled to the rafters five separate times in three days, there was a sense of peace and understanding we had done our very best – had given Him our very best. We had acknowledgements literally from all over the world. We know that Carols was watched over the web in Italy and Peru on Sunday. We received “wows” and “beautiful” and “thank yous” from people in the church and community. We had guests who came to FBCJ to see Carols in person after seeing the “Amazing Grace” video clip from Carols 2010 on YouTube. 
We know without doubt or hesitation the Gospel was presented. We may never know in this life, though, did what we do make a difference. Did someone, some ones, hear the story and believe?
Soli Deo Gloria – is a Latin term for Glory to God alone. It is a doctrine that states that everything is done for God’s glory and not for ours. As Christians, we are to be motivated and inspired by God’s glory and not our own. In other words, it is not about us. It is all about Him.
Carols’ reach transcends the world. Real work remains to prepare the television broadcast and to follow up on each decision recorded on a card and placed in the offering plate. I pray that there are many decisions and that folks saw and experienced what we know and live and that they Believed.
Cille Litchfield 