Christmas Lights on Temple Hill

I've lived in the Bay Area, and the Oakland Temple has been our temple, for nearly all my life. Kurt and I were married there. However, I'd never been to the lighting ceremony they hold the first weekend in December, to turn on all the beautiful Christmas decorations. I remember going to visit the manger scene and the beautiful lights as a child and thought I'd take a friend this year. Sandy and I got there just as the sun was setting. It was a beautiful cold, clear day - with no fog - rare for the bay. This is looking west toward San Francisco. We could see all 4 bridges from Temple Hill.

We enjoyed a beautiful music and dance performance in the auditorium and then we all went outside. They turned out all the regular lights that light the sidewalks, etc. Then, a special guest turned on the lights and it glowed!

All the effort was even more appreciated by me this year, since Kurt works for the church in the facilities management department.