There’s something about this season.

From what I’ve observed, Christmas brings out the tender spots in the human heart. Grief is often felt a bit more palpably while spending time with loved ones seems even more special.

As a pastor, it’s a busy season. Like my colleagues on the island and elsewhere, it’s a season of planning services but also one that’s filled with conversations about those tender moments. Human beings have a deep need to be known, to feel safe, to be seen. We are designed to connect, to be in community and Christmas seems to lend itself to community.

While the church hasn’t always lived up to the example that Jesus set for us, his life was built on the value of community and making sure all were included. On Christmas Eve, once again, we will gather.

We’ll sing songs and light candles, sharing light with one another. It’s the best thing we do when we gather as the church — sharing light. It always takes my breath away when I look out at all those candles…my candle, your candle, and on and on. The world gets brighter as we pass that light one to the other.

Passing light is at the heart of a healthy community. It’s also what we, as Christians, believe that God intends for us all.

Personally, I need your light when I get discouraged and when the needs in this world feel overwhelming. I need your light and the light of others to add to my light, to shine in those dark places where human beings feel unseen, unheard, and overlooked.

At its very best, this is what being part of the Christian church is for me, sharing the Light of God’s love for all people with everyone.

On Christmas Eve, once again we will light candles, and we invite you to light them with us, in person or on your own. There are worship services starting at 4 p.m. and continuing until midnight all over the island.

While we welcome you at Vashon Presbyterian, all our doors are open, and you are most welcome at any of the island churches.

There’s just something about this season and there’s something about the act of lighting candles, one after another. The act of watching the light grow will always take my breath away because it gives me a glimpse of what I believe God wants most — for human beings to live together in community, sharing love, sharing light.

Leigh Weber is the pastor of Vashon Presbyterian Church.

–

Island churches are offering many Christmas Eve services; guests are welcome.

Vashon Lutheran Church

18623 Vashon Hwy. SW

4 p.m. celebration of carols and candles, with a short homily and Holy Communion, held jointly with The Church of the Holy Spirit.

Vashon United Methodist Church

17928 Vashon Hwy. SW

4 p.m.

Vashon Presbyterian Church

17708 Vashon Hwy. SW

5 p.m.

Bethel Evangelical Free Church

14736 Bethel Lane SW

7 p.m.

Vashon Island Community Church

9318 SW Cemetery Rd.

7 p.m.

Burton Community Church

23905 Vashon Hwy. SW

7 p.m.

St. John Vianney Catholic Church

16100 115th Ave. SW

5 p.m. Christmas Eve

9:30 p.m. Christmas day

Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit

15420 Vashon Hwy. SW- 4 p.m. Joint Christmas Eve service at Vashon Lutheran Church

3 p.m. Christmas Day, Festival of Lessons and Carols

All-Merciful Saviour Monastery

9933 SW 268th St.

9:40 a.m. Jan. 7 (Russian Orthodox Christmas Day)