On the evening of December 24, Chongwenmen Church in Beijing held a Christmas Eve sacred music worship service themed "Worship." The service was centered around lighting five candles and was accompanied by prayers, congregational responses, and choir performances.
The first session was scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., but by 4:45 p.m., the church's main hall was nearly full. Upon entering, attendees were greeted by two calligraphy pieces reading "Hallelujah" and "Immanuel," prominently displayed on the church pillars. Above the choir seats at the front hung another calligraphy banner featuring the theme of the worship service, "Worship."
As the opening hymn, "Gloria Patri," began, five deacons dressed in white entered, each carrying a large candle. Another similarly attired deacon followed, holding aloft a large Bible with both hands. Two pastors in clerical robes, accompanied by choir members, slowly processed into the church. The deacons placed the candles on the altar, with the large Bible in front of them.
Rev. Zhang Li, who presided over the ceremony, began by lighting the central candle, proclaiming, "We light candles to symbolize the coming of Christ, the light of the world."
Then during the sermon, Rev. Liu Yan delivered a brief message titled "In That Glittering Night." She emphasized that Jesus is the true light of life, illuminating the path for those lost in darkness. She further explained that the Lord is the light in people's hearts, offering comfort and peace that overcomes external circumstances.
Following the performance of "Silent Night" by the joint choir of 70 to 80 members, the second candle was lit with the declaration, "We light candles to symbolize the church's welcoming of the Savior's birth."
As the other choirs continued to sing, the third candle was lit with the proclamation, "We light candles to symbolize the church's humble submission to the Lord Jesus." The choir then performed once more.
The fourth candle was then lit with the declaration, "We light candles to symbolize the glory of the Lord Jesus shining and dispelling the darkness."
Rev. Zhang then lit the final candle, proclaiming, "We light candles to symbolize the glorious appearance of the Lord Jesus, who will remove all worries." At that moment, the joint choir, comprised of three choirs, performed "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," accompanied by piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The service concluded with the majestic "Hallelujah" as the attending congregation stood and sang together.
