Candlelight Worship An Annual Tradition For Many Worshippers In Tulsa

Christians across our area are celebrating Christmas Eve and for many families candlelight worship is an annual tradition.

Many congregations had several services on Christmas Eve.

At Asbury Church in Tulsa, there were four services, 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m.

For many families, services like these are the highlight of the holiday season.

Asbury Church expects a combined 7000 people at its services. For Trey and Jamie Cooper, it's a tradition going 12 years strong.

"It's joyful, it's just so much fun. So much to see, so much to do, so much going on, songs are great, preaching is great it's just a really fun and energetic place to be," said Jamie.

Leaders at Asbury say candlelight services are meant to remind people of the meaning of Christmas.

Michael Kemp, Director of traditional worship, says "Everything that we do, the symbol of the candle, the music that we sing we want people to experience the hope that we have in Jesus," said director of traditional worship Michael Kemp.

Kemp, said the staff has been prepping for this day since August.

The choir is made up of 100 singers and the orchestra has 50 members.

"We get to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the community that we want to do that in a way that is memorable. And that just leaves people when they leave here, they're ready for Christmas," said Kemp.

"I think the energy that they bring in the orchestra. It's just something that's really unique and always leaves you with smile," said service attendee Trey Cooper.

One unique part of the service is what Asbury church calls the ringing in of Christmas. It plays between the songs, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World."

"We have handbells that are all over the sanctuary and they're just going to create this cacophony of sound and then we all join together and sing "Joy to the World.," Kemp said.

For Christians, this holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus, something the Coopers are reflecting on tonight.

"He gave to us first so we can be in a giving spirit to others and we've been blessed by him and so we should be a blessing to others, Trey said.