“Julotta” is a traditional Swedish church service held early in the morning on Christmas Day. "Jul" is the Swedish word for Christmas, and "otta" is the time just before dawn. The tradition goes back to the Middle Ages, and everyone that could, attended the Julotta. In the Swedish Church Law dated 1686, it is stated that the Julotta should start at 6 AM. Further back, the tradition was to start at 4 AM. Today, most Swedish churches start the service at 7 AM.
Mid-December is the darkest part of the year in Sweden, and in the “old days” after Christmas Eve supper--traditionally rice and fish (lutfisk), the people living farthest from church would start out in their gaily-decorated sleighs or on foot. In the remote country areas of Sweden, lighted candles placed in farmhouse windows would shine across the paths of the worshippers. With torches burning as they went, they would be joined by more and more Christian neighbors, until at last, the groups would converge on the church, and then throw their torches into a big pile in front of the church entrance, were people could warm up before entering the church.
“The people then gathered into the brightly lit, warm sanctuary decorated with Christmas greens and candles to hear the Christmas story read from the Gospels and to worship the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of His birth. They sang heartily their beloved traditional hymns, "Var Hälsad Sköna Morgonstund", "När Juldagsmorgon Glimmar", and "Hossanna" among others. After the service, people raced back to their houses with their horse-drawn sledges. The winner was thought to become the first to harvest his crop next year.
Even if church attendance declines through out the year, the Julotta is still well attended in Swedish churches. Julotta is a tradition dear to the heart of every Swedish-born person and others to whom it has become a custom.
“Broadway has welcomed Christmas morning for 139 years with the inspiring Swedish Christmas service, Julotta. In the quiet of 6 a.m. Christmas morning, we gather in our sanctuary with a number of others from around the city in the area's only remaining Julotta.
- You will be welcomed with images from Sweden and Julotta around the world casted on the front of the dimly lit sanctuary while listening to quite Christmas music.
- At 6 a.m., in the hush of total darkness, two candle lighters will light the 126 Advent candles in the windows. These candle lighters will be dressed in white with the traditional wreath of lighted candles on their heads, representing Santka Lucia (Saint Lucia), who is said to have worn candles in her hair to free her hands up to carry food to the needy in caves.
- In the light of these glowing candles you will sing, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in English followed by two traditional Swedish Christmas songs which are sung in your choice of the printed words in both Swedish and English. Our leader, Nick Englen, a school teacher from Sweden, sings in Swedish, while most of the rest of us try these two songs in English.
- Broadway Church Co-Pastor Paul Smith will share, "An E-mail from God."
- This inspiring and culturally diverse service ends with each candle being extinguished and the joyous singing of "Joy to the World," accompanied by the piano and our beautiful pipe organ.
- The organ chimes ring out, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" while we all move the Fellowship Hall for coffee and Swedish pastry baked and served by our own Carolyn Anderson in traditional Swedish dress.
Expand your world. Join us on Christmas morning! |
