Thousands celebrate Christmas Eve at Willow Creek in South Barrington

A full house enjoyed the story of the first Christmas, held lit candles aloft in unison and joined in song to celebrate the first of three Christmas Eve services at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington on Sunday.

“Christmas is an opportunity to connect not only with our congregation but friends and family that come, so it’s really an amazing celebration and time together,” said Pastor Shawn Williams.

Williams, who was greeting parishioners as they entered Sunday, said that all told, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people attended five services Friday through Sunday.

“The best part of being a pastor is being with our people,” said Williams, who has been at Willow Creek for about three and a half years.

Willow Creek Community Church was founded in 1975 in South Barrington and now has locations in Chicago, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Glenview, Lincolnshire and Wheaton.