{Candlelight Christmas Eve Service // 2023}

There are certain traditions that anchor the holiday season for me, and our church’s Candlelight Christmas Eve service is without a doubt one of my very favorites. There’s just something so peaceful, so powerful, and so full of wonder about gathering together in worship on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment that cuts through the noise of the season and centers your heart on what truly matters.

Every year, our church puts so much thought, care, and love into creating a moving experience for Christmas Eve—and this year was no exception. From the moment we walked in the doors, you could feel the warmth and anticipation. The sanctuary glowed with soft lights and the atmosphere was filled with joy.

The theme this year was “Texas,” which gave the whole evening a fun and unique flair. Leave it to our church to find the perfect way to tie our love for the Lone Star State with the story of Jesus’ birth. Cowboy hats, boots, and Texas-sized hospitality met the quiet beauty of the nativity story—and it just worked. There were even some perfect photo opportunities sprinkled throughout, and you better believe we took advantage of them! A little Christmas spirit with a Texas twist made it all the more memorable.

The worship, as always, was absolutely beautiful. Our worship team never fails to deliver, and there’s nothing quite like singing “O Holy Night” or “Silent Night” by candlelight, surrounded by your church family. It gets me every time. There’s something so humbling and moving about hearing voices rise together in praise, especially when the lights are low and the room is glowing with candles. That moment when we all lift our candles and sing—it gives me chills every year.

And then there’s Pastor David—he has such a gift for sharing the Word in a way that’s relatable, heartfelt, and deeply impactful. His sermon this year was powerful, full of hope and truth, pointing us right to the heart of Christmas: Jesus. It’s so easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle, but his message reminded us that the story of Jesus’ birth is still the greatest message of all. A Savior, born for us. Emmanuel—God with us.

One of the greatest blessings of the night was having my sister and her sweet family join us again this year. Having loved ones sitting next to you in church, sharing in worship and the Christmas message together, is something I don’t take for granted. Watching our kids experience the service together, seeing our family united in faith on such a special night—it means more to me than words can say. Moments like these are what I’ll remember for years to come.

As we turned off our candles and stepped out into the cool night air, I felt a deep sense of peace. A calm joy that only Christmas can bring. The kind that comes not from presents or parties, but from pausing to reflect on the incredible gift we were given in that tiny baby in a manger.

This Christmas Eve, I was reminded again of what a gift it is to worship freely, to gather with family, and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My heart is full of gratitude—for our church, for our family, for the message of Jesus, and for the quiet, sacred beauty of that candlelit night.

Merry Christmas, friends. I hope you found moments of peace, joy, and wonder this season—and that you, too, were reminded of the hope we have in Him. 🌟