Christmas Eve at St. Barnabas
Thursday, December 24, at 6:00 p.m.
Holy Communion, with the Christmas story and Silent Night by candlelight
237 W. Austin St., Bellville, Texas
Fr. Mike Keppler, Rector
The light comes into the world
The service begins in a darkened church. As the story of the first Christmas is read from Scripture, the candles of the Advent wreath are lighted one by one: the Prophets, Bethlehem, the Christ Child, the Shepherds and the Angels. Then we keep the feast with Holy Communion from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
At the end, a candle lighted from the Christ candle is carried down the aisle, and the light is passed from neighbor to neighbor until the whole church is aglow. We sing Silent Night together, receive the Blessing, and go out into the night in quiet.
What to know
Candles are provided
Each person receives a candle with a paper guard. Instructions are given during the service.
How long
The service lasts about an hour and a quarter.
No need to know the service
Page numbers are called aloud and a Prayer Book is provided. Someone will gladly help you follow along.
Children are welcome
Families are welcome in the service. A nursery with a toddler play area is open in the Adkins Hall; it is not staffed, so you stay with your little one.
Communion
All baptized Christians who love and trust the Lord are welcome at the rail. If you are not yet baptized, come forward with your arms crossed and the priest will give you a blessing. You are also welcome simply to sit and pray.
Parking and access
Park in the gravel lot beside the church. Accessible parking is in front, off W. Austin St. The church has wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.
Advent Lessons and Carols
Evening Prayer at 4:30 p.m., followed by Advent Lessons and Carols: readings from the prophets to the coming of Christ, with carols between. A quiet hour to prepare for Christmas. All are welcome.
237 W. Austin St., Bellville
Four candles, four witnesses
Each Sunday in Advent the sermon follows one candle of the wreath, and the series ends with the Christ candle on Christmas Eve.
November 29 · Hope
The Prophets' Candle. The First Sunday in Advent, with the Great Litany and the blessing of the Advent wreath.
December 6 · Peace
The Bethlehem Candle.
December 13 · Joy
The Shepherds' Candle.
December 20 · Love
The Angels' Candle.
December 24 · The Christ Candle
Christmas Eve, 6:00 p.m.
Sundays from November 29: Morning Prayer 8:15 a.m. · Adult Education & Children's Sunday School 9:00 a.m. · Holy Communion 10:00 a.m.
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light."
ISAIAH 9:2