Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora celebrates Christmas Eve

Posted January 04, 2023 12:00 am

Submitted by Al Benson

Laurel and Jim Gilbert of Aurora participate in a candle lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora participated in a candle lighting ceremony to conclude a Christmas Eve celebration.

A woman at Wesley United Methodist Church Aurora participates in a candle lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora. Courtesy of Al Benson

After a meditation, the Rev. John Bell, Wesley pastor, brought a candle from the altar to congregants in the pews.

They passed the flame among each other to light individual candles.

The celebration opened with a "Cookies and Carols" program in the church parlor.

The Rev. John Bell, pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, takes a candle to congregants who participated in a candle lighting ceremony to close a Christmas Eve service. Courtesy of Al Benson

Thew Elliott, traditional worship director, led a singalong of holiday favorites before announcing a surprise live Nativity recreation.

He directed a dozen youth and adult volunteers who donned costumes to play Mary, Joseph and animals at the Nativity as he narrated the Christmas story.

The Christmas Eve observance continued in the Gathering Place room with a program inspired by Latin American Las Posadas traditions, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph searching for a safe shelter where Mary could give birth to Jesus.

Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church Aurora participate in a candle lighting ceremony to conclude a Christmas Eve worship. Courtesy of Al Benson

After a responsive reading, guests processed into the sanctuary for Christmas Eve worship led by Pastor Bell.

Located at 14 N. May St. in Aurora, Wesley Methodist holds Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m. online and in-person at 10:30 a.m.

Call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumcaurora.org for more information.

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