St. Louis Celebrates
“God’s Gift of Light”

December 12-14, 2008

The congregation at the Apostolic Faith Church in St. Louis, Missouri, worked hand-in-hand for several weeks preparing for their special weekend featuring “God’s Gift of Light,” which took place December 12-14. The narthex and sanctuary of the church were beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, candles, and a snowy forest of trees. Outside, thousands of lights were displayed in the trees and bushes, and used to outline parts of the church.

The open-house celebration began Friday evening. A large nativity was the focal point for those wishing to spend time in the sanctuary meditating and listening to soft Christmas music. Rotating Scriptures of the Christmas story appeared on a large screen at the front of the church. Outside were live nativity scenes, including shepherds warming themselves by a fire, angels on the hillside, a stable with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus (not a real baby since it was very cold), and the Wise Men taking a break from their journey to Bethlehem while they camped around the fire.

After the visitors toured the outside scenes, they were invited to the fellowship hall, which was beautifully decorated with round tables adorned with gold tablecloths. There they could enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to live Christmas music. The performers included a male quartet, a brass quintet, three vocal soloists, a violin soloist, and a children’s choir featuring the Sunday school children dressed as angels and shepherds. There was a good turnout of visitors from the local community, and several of them were in no hurry to leave as they enjoyed this time with the St. Louis congregation.

On Sunday evening, the weekend wrapped up with a candlelight service, which included musical performances, a Christmas story and other special readings, congregational singing of carols, and a short sermon. One special highlight was when the congregation sang “Silent Night” in the darkened sanctuary with lighted candles and Christmas lights, followed by a spontaneous “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” at the end of the program! After the candlelight service, everyone was invited to the home of Reverend Mark Worthington and his wife, Rosemary, for refreshments. A good time was had by all who attended, and it was a great ending to a wonderful weekend!