Why have a candle-light service?

This Sunday evening, we will come together at 5 pm for a Christmas Eve candle-light service at the old church sanctuary we are presently refurbishing. Our hope is that this will be a joyous and reverent time of worship as we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Why have a candle-light service? Yes, its true, these services are beautiful events. And yes, traditionally, they have been conducted since the early middle ages. Neither of these examples are the reason. But His redeeming light ... is.

Let us never forget, that at the dawn of creation darkness was a suffocating presence, but God pierced it with His Word and said, “Let there be light.” The first act of creation was not just God bringing things into existence, but more importantly, it marked God’s first and overwhelming blow against Satan, the prince of darkness, himself. The Apostle John said in just the 4th verse of his gospel, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Right here, in this piercing and victorious light, we see the person and mission of Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Peter urges us to always remember that we in Christ are a royal priesthood proclaiming to the world that He – Jesus – called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (see 1 Peter 2:9). In fact, Jesus says that as His people even WE are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). So, let us come and celebrate in this light with His light so that the world may see and give glory to the Father Who sent His child to lead us in to Him (John 14:6).

So, come and join us at the new old building -- the old Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is located downtown at the corner of Main and Elizabeth – a good landmark is a 30 foot tall gigantic fire hydrant which sits directly behind it. Be advised, this building is a work "in progress" and there are areas within the building where we (and especially our children) should stay clear. Also, there are no working restrooms, but there is an on-site and freshly cleaned ‘Port-a-John’. J

Yours in Christ and Merry Christmas!

Pastor David