Light of the World

A Christmas Eve tradition that some in our congregation have observed involves bringing lanterns to worship.  During the singing of “Silent Night,” they light their lanterns and then bring the “light of the world” with them as they leave the sanctuary and travel home.  Over the years this tradition was carried on by fewer and fewer. SAD.  Valuing the tradition and desiring to carry it on, we revitalized it by doing the following:

1. We advertised and announced this tradition (bulletins, newsletters, email updates, worship announcements) and invited our members and friends to bring their lanterns on Christmas Eve
2. Mindful that many would not do this, some would forget, and visitors would not know about it, we purchased some very inexpensive, small, glass, hurricane style vases (~$1 each from one of the box stores) and tealights
3. Before the service, we set up a table by the main door of the sanctuary, line up the vases, and load them with tealights
4. During the singing of “Silent Night,” one of the ushers lights all of the tealights
5. As people exit the sanctuary at the end of the service, we offer a light to each family, which many gratefully accept
6. Many return the vases the subsequent weeks and  months which significantly reduces the number we need to purchase the following year

A simple and inexpensive way to extend the sanctuary and bring the light of the world…well… into the world!!

© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2016

Kevin Goldenbogen is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ serving an amazing congregation in the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont. He skis, climbs, runs, bakes bread, rides a red Vespa, and tries every day to follow Jesus. He is married to the perfect woman and has two boys who he loves beyond words.