UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Christmas Eve candlelight service is a tradition at the Upper Lake Community Church, located on the corner of First Street and Clover Valley Road, just off highway 20 and Government Street in the town of Upper Lake.

The church’s candlelight service is a meaningful way to symbolize the light of Christ coming into the darkness of the world.

The Advent wreath, with the Christ candle in the center, represents the light of Christ. They take that candlelight and light everyone’s candle from it. The light of believers is magnified on their faces and has all the importance of the light when Christ was born.

When everyone in the church has their candle lit, the people walk out of the building carrying Christ’s light out of the building and into the world as they sing “Silent Night, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, and “Joy to the World.”

One candle of the Advent wreath was lit each Sunday of December until the final one – the central Christ candle – will be lit on Christmas Eve. The Advent candles represent hope, peace, joy and love.

The religious significance of this service is a reminder of how simple the birth of Christ was. He was born in a small town in a tucked-away place, and the candlelight in the modern day is just a symbol of something simple and meek and peaceful.

When the busyness ends, the candlelight service serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Our chief end in life is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

The candlelight service will commence at 7 p.m. in the church Sanctuary.

The service includes a solo, “O Holy Night,” sung by Alexander O’Meara, a children’s ministry with Jeannie Markham (for both the young and the young at heart), scripture readings, carols and communion which will be followed by the lighting of the candles prior to exiting the church.

All are welcome to this or any of the 11 a.m. Sunday services and/or special services throughout the year.

Pastor Bob Green and the congregation of the Upper Lake Community Church look forward to celebrating with you.

Darla Lewis is the secretary at Upper Lake Community Church.