KAILUA-KONA — While the holidays can be an overwhelming time of year, churches on the island do their part to bring the community together with a candlelight service and a Christmas message.
West Hawaii Today confirmed six churches in West Hawaii are having a Christmas Eve candlelight service or Mass. Services at other churches and groups might also be scheduled throughout the holidays. One of those places is the historic Mokuaikaua Church on Alii Drive in the heart of Kailua-Kona.
Church pastor David De Carvalho said the first Christmas celebrated at the church was in 1820.
De Carvalho said Christmas is the story of Jesus Christ. The Christmas Eve service tradition is an opportunity for people to remember those Bible verses.
“We want everyone to recall with us the true story of Christmas,” the pastor said. “It’s important to remember, acknowledge and thank God for that.”
De Carvalho added this time of year is a time of celebration and invites the community to join him at Mokuaikaua Church in recalling the Christmas story on Christmas Eve.
The Living Stones Church, also on Alii Drive, also offers a candlelight service and program. While the church has done smaller Christmas Eve services in the past, Associate Pastor Ryan Burns said it started the candlelight service and program in 2004.
Like Mokuaikaua, Living Stones incorporates a lot of elements into the service, including hula and scripture recitation.
“Every element we do, we think: ‘How is this going to help people encounter God for themselves?’” Burns said.
Burns added the service is an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Listed below are Christmas Eve services:
Mokuaikaua Church, 75-5713 Alii Drive
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7 p.m. carols and 8 p.m. service
Living Stones Church, 76-6224 Alii Drive
5 and 7 p.m. There will be no morning services
Christ Church Episcopal, 81-1004 Konawaena School Road, in Kealakekua
Advent service at 10 a.m.; Christmas Eve service at 4:30 p.m
St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 75-5769 Alii Drive
There are three Christmas Eve Masses in the evening
Children’s mass at 6 p.m. Mass again at 8 p.m. and mass in Spanish at 10 p.m.
Hokuloa United Church of Christ, 69-1600 Puako Beach Drive in Waimea
7 p.m. Please bring a flashlight
Annunciation Church, 65-1235 Kawaihae Road in Waimea
Christmas Eve Mass 7 p.m.