Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12 KJV)
We had a Candlelight Service at my little church tonight. It’s a service I love. Many of you have told me the same thing when you have entered my Christmas giveaways in the past and shared some of your favorite things about Christmas. Candlelight services were mentioned time and again.
Many churches have this special service on Christmas Eve, but that doesn’t work out for our church. However, back several years ago before my mother died, I sometimes went with her to midnight Christmas Eve candlelight services at her church. The service there started at 11 p.m. and was especially moving. The songs, the preacher’s words, and the lighting of the candles was all timed to conclude right at midnight. The congregation silently filed out of church, putting out their candles as they left the sanctuary while the church bells tolled the midnight hour. Holiness filled the church as each person considered the message of the service.
At our church, we have a large candle that represents Jesus as the Light of the world. As the lights are turned out, the large candle is lit. Then we each go forward and light our individual candles from the candle representing Jesus. That symbolizes how we get our light from the Lord. Each of us needs that Jesus light.
Have you ever sung that song “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine?” I used to love singing that song with kids in Sunday school or Bible school. But it’s not just a song for kids. That song can be a reminder for all of us. We need to let our light shine and not hide it under a bushel or let the devil blow it out as the added verses in the song say. We need to hold our candles of love and faith high to let others see the way to Jesus.
When we used to have the candlelight service years ago before we had a security light outside, everything was extra dark out at our country church. That made the lighting of the candles especially affecting. The Jesus candle did bring light into the church as He brought light into the world. Then as each of us lit our candles and held them up to let them shine, more and more light filled the room. We were believers ready to let our lights shine to show the way to Jesus. That’s what we need to be each and every day.
In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Do you have special Christmas services that you love going to every year?
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
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Yes, we have went to Christmas Eve candlelight service ever since I was a little girl. Merry Christmas blessings.
Author
I didn’t go to one as a little girl, Lucy. Our church had never had one until we got a preacher who liked taking the time to remember why we celebrate. That was probably about forty years ago. Whether other churches had been having them before that, I don’t know. I did start noticing the other churches’ services after our church started having them. Merry Christmas! I have you have a joyful time.
I do like Christmas Eve services, though I haven’t gone every year for the past five years. I went last year while in TX with friends, and really enjoyed it. The other years, I’ve been at my sister’s, and since her family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve, there usually isn’t time to go to the service.
Author
It’s truly hard to work in all we want to do at Christmas with the family gatherings and church events landing on the same days or weekends. Christmas Eve is the traditional time for Candlelight Services, but our church breaks tradition to have them at other times. Wishing you a joyful Christmas celebration with your sister and her family.
I have never been to a candlelight service. I’m sure there is very impressive.
Merry Christmas to you and all your family.
Author
They are beautiful and spiritual, Marlene, and a good break from all the more commercial goings on of Christmas. A time to ponder the meaning of Christmas just as Mary pondered after the visit of the shepherds. What child is this?!
Merry Christmas to you, too, Ann!!
Author
Thank you, Chris. Merry Christmas to you and yours too, especially your lovely wife.
Our church has a special Communion Service the Sunday before Christmas. Each family is served Communion by our pastor or one of our Elders. Then, they pray for us individually and speak words of blessing over us. It’s such a special tine for everyone.
Author
That sounds like a beautiful service, Judi, and one to start all of you off with blessings for the coming year. A loving church family can be such a gift.