Matthew 5:16 instructs Christians to “Let your light so shine before men.” Here In Richmond/El Sobrante, at Trinity Apostolic Faith Church we believe that we can let our light shine through the annual Heavenly Lights Christmas celebration and open house.

Heavenly Lights has been a mainstay of our Hilltop Drive location since it was envisioned nearly ten years ago. Reverend Joe Bishop (pastor 1993-2002) envisioned an event that would combine his love of Christmas lights with an opportunity to reach out to the community. Since then, Heavenly Lights has grown and established our church as a community landmark. The church has come to be recognized for its annual tradition, with strangers referring to it as “the church with the Christmas lights.”

Heavenly lights is normally scheduled for four nights on the weekend prior to Christmas. There is no shortage of Christmas lights. Over 40,000 lights adorn the church, parsonage, and surrounding buildings and landscaping. The church building is outlined with them, as are the surrounding trees and hedges. Two silhouettes of angels grace the side of the church facing the street, and the parsonage and church garage are also decorated with lights. Powerful spotlights shoot up into the sky to help announce the location of the annual event. However, the highlight of the display for many was a sixty-foot tunnel of netted Christmas lights at the entrance.

Besides the Christmas lights, there is plenty to see and do. There are a variety of animals which change from year to year. Ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, and a turkey in a petting zoo. A donkey, miniature ponies, and goats were also on hand to help “staff” a live nativity and some years we've even been able to procure a camel for the event. For the adventurous or young at heart, a hayride provides an exceptional view of the lights and added to the festive atmosphere.

Members of our church—both young and old, provided entertainment at various outdoor location throughout each evening. A rotating schedule features a different musical ensemble every fifteen minutes. These ensembles include our thirteen-member English hand-bell choir, a singing Christmas tree made up of Sunday school children, a brass ensemble, and a nine-member vocal ensemble. Each group performs a variety of pieces that range from traditional classics to modern favorites.

For those who need to warm up in the winter weather, there is plenty to do inside the church. A children's story corner features various members of the congregation dressed in Biblical attire and reading Christmas stories. Life-size cutouts of Mary, Joseph, an angel, and a wise man are popular photo opportunities for parents with cameras. An office in the church comes to life as a winter wonderland with moving, lighted animals and snow-draped trees. Seasonal treats of apple cider, hot chocolate, and a variety of cookies and quick breads are offered as refreshments.

Our lovely decorated sanctuary is set up to provide an atmosphere of quiet reflection. The platform is bare except for fir trees down the sides and a manger in the center. A bright spotlight shines, singling out the manger, while an inspirational photo presentation plays to a soft background of Christmas music. One year, a little girl came to Heavenly Lights eagerly clutching a small box. She told one of the congregation members that it was full of cookies that she had baked for baby Jesus. She walked proudly up to the platform in the sanctuary and carefully laid the box of cookies at the foot of the manger. Another family was inspired by the hope offered by our “Heavenly Lights” during a medical crisis with their daughter. They asked for prayer and God miraculously intervened.

A final treat is presented to each of the nearly 2,000 guests as they depart from Heavenly Lights. They are given a bag with a small gift and some inspiring literature. Also tucked away in the bag is a certificate for another small gift if the holder returns to our church after the New Year. It is our prayer and hope that this event will continue bring many to know and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas and that many new faces will be seen in our church in future.