Rev. Jesse Larson led this evening’s service, which marked Christmas Eve. The final candle in the Advent wreath—featuring the Christ Child Candle—was lit and the ages-old story of Jesus’s birth was retold. Jackie Sneed served as reader.
Hymns, accompanied by Cathy Sapunor on the piano and Peter Baird on guitar, included:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
On Christmas Night All Christians Sing
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Hark the Herald, Angels Sing.
Away in a Manger
What Child is This
Away in a Manger
Joy to the World
At the close of the service, refreshments were served and Jackie Sneed and Peter Baird led a joyful Christmas sing-along. Prior to that, participants gathered outdoors with their lit candles and joined in singing “Joy to the World.” They also each rang a bell as a tangible reminder that “no one is truly alone.” Bethany was just one of thousands of congregations and groups around the world ringing bells at 6 p.m. in the third annual Christmas Eve bell project.
