The sights and sounds of the season are filling local churches. From cantatas to candlelight services, it’s time to be filled with peace, goodwill and the light and joy of Christmas.

Songs and stories

celebrate holidays

Unitarian Universalist congregaton of Whidbey Island will host a holiday service Sunday, Dec. 22, at 4 p.m. This service will feature the congregation’s choir, musicians, stories and traditions from around the world. It is an intergenerational service, so children are welcome.

Services are held at Trinity Lutheran Church’s chapel sanctuary at Highway 525 and Woodard Road in Freeland.

Blue Christmas offers hope

A Blue Christmas service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at Coupeville Methodist Church. This is a place to acknowledge the concerns of those for whom this holiday season, for whatever reason, carries sadness, sorrow, or pain, and to provide them with words of hope, and the support of fellowship. The short service will be followed by light refreshments and fellowship. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, Dec. 22, there will be one service at Coupeville United Methodist Church, at 11 a.m.— a service of Lessons and Carols. On Christmas Eve there will be two services, an informal one at 5 p.m., designed with young children in mind, and the traditional candlelight service at 7 p.m., with the Bell Choir and the Choralaires, under the direction of Jodi Burcham.

Musical drama

set at First Church

“City of Carols: A Guided Tour of the Songs of Christmas” will be presented by the actors, choirs, soloists and orchestra of First Reformed Church. There are two performances: Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, at 4 p.m. The play will depict how familiar carols came to be written and what they mean. The production features an elaborate set and original arrangements in new and familiar styles. All are welcome and admission is free. The church is at 250 SW 3rd Ave.; call 675-4837.

Living Faith worships Him

Living Faith Christian Center presents the live Christmas drama “We Will Worship Him,” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 and again at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. The church us at 551 NE Midway Blvd., Suite 4; call 675-9221.

Single service

for Lighthouse

Christmas services for Lighthouse Christian Church will be at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, at 1767 NE Regatta Drive.

Merry Christmas concert shared

All are invited to share the joys of the holiday season at a “Merry Christmas! concert,” 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, at Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church on SE Ireland Street. The concert will feature the church’s Chancel choir performing John Peterson’s “Night of Miracles.” The program will debut two new community choirs, the United Men’s Chorus singing traditional carols and the Oak Harbor cChamber Chorale sharing works from Alfred Burt, John Rutter and others. The Praise Ringers handbell choir will also perform seasonal favorites. The concert is free. Call 675-2441.

Senior choir presents cantata

The Senior Choir of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church will present the cantata, “Sing Noel,” at the 10:30 a.m. worship service, Sunday, Dec. 22. “Sing Noel” presents the Christmas story through carols, scripture readings and congregational song. The cantata will be directed by Cynthia Fletcher and will include organ, strings, handbells and percussion instruments.

Christmas

Eve services

Christ the King Community Church: Candlelight services at 7 p.m., meets at Solid Grounds Café next to Navy Federal Credit Union, call 679-9921.

Coupeville Methodist Church: Informal service at 5 p.m., with young children in mind. Candle light service at 7 p.m. with the Bell Choir and the Choralaires, under the direction of Jodi Burcham.

Family Bible Church: Candlelight services at 6:30 and 8 p.m., 2760 Heller Road.

First Baptist Church: Communion and candlelight services with special music and a children’s program at 6:30 p.m., 1780 SE 4th Ave., call 675-3032.

Lighthouse Christian Center: Candlelight service at 7 p.m., 1767 NE Regatta Dr.

Living Word Fellowship: Services at 5 and 7 p.m., 290 NW Crosby Road.

New Covenant Fellowship: Candlelight service at 6:30 p.m., 29470 Highway 20.

Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church: Candlelight service at 6 p.m. The theme of the service will be “The Joy of Christmas” and Pastor Harold Veldman will speak on “The Real Gift of Christmas: Christ.” The evening service will feature instrumental music and carol singing. The church is at 1411 Wieldraayer Road. Nursery will be provided. Call 675-2881.

Oak Harbor Church of the Nazarene: Family Christmas eve service, powerful drama presentation with music by soloists, choir and congregation, from 6 – 7 p.m., 1100 W. Whidbey Ave., call 675-0705.

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church:Family worship with Holy communion featuring the Sunday school Christmas program, at 4 p.m. Holy communion and candlelight services at 7 and 11 p.m. The church is at 1253 NW 2nd Ave.; call 679-1561.

Oak Harbor Methodist Church: 5 p.m., family service; 8 p.m., choir cantata and candlelight service; 11 p.m., communion and candlelight service. The church is at 1050 SE Ireland St., call 675-2441.

Whidbey Evangelical Free Church: Candlelight service at 5:30 p.m., 3770 Highway 525.

Whidbey Presbyterian Church: Candlelight services at 7 and 9 p.m.

Christmas

Day services

Bible Baptist Church: Christmas service at 10 a.m., 1701 Harns Road, call 675-8311.

First Reformed Church: 9:30 a.m., 250 SW Third Ave.

Oak Harbor Methodist Church: 10:30 a.m., worship service.

Lights shine

on Camano

Warm Beach Camp invites you to share the magic of Christmas with your family, friends or group this holiday season at the Lights of Christmas. The Lights runs Dec. 19-23 and 26-30, open from 5 – 10 p.m. each evening. The lights stretch over 5 acres, contains seven theme areas, each with music and drama, crafts, food and more. The kids will enjoy pony rides, a petting farm, draft horse wagon rides and train rides. Call Warm Beach Camp toll free at 800-228-6724, or go to www.warm

beach.com.