Christmas Eve at Bethany 2024

It is Bethany's tradition to celebrate the season with a beautiful candlelight service on Christmas Eve. People begin to gather early and filter into the sanctuary where the light is dim. The service varies slightly year after, some have dramatic readings, some have the bell choir perform, some have a soloist sing. This year there was a strong focus on music with the congregation participating by singing carols with the piano. It was wonderful. It is also our tradition to filter pew by pew to the Lord's table and share communion usually by intinction though this tradition has been modified since Covid. Then we select our candle and cuff from the front pews and form a circle around the church. The lights will be dimmed further once everyone is in place. This year we had more than 75 attendees and nearly completed the circle around the sanctuary. Once everyone was in place, our pianist began Silent Night and everyone sang along. At the last verse, all raised their candles as they sang. It was a very special service.

We all left the sanctuary in silence but gathered in the fellowship hall for fellowship and light snacks. This service was such a blessing, and we pray for you a very happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.