CHRISTMAS EVE
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Mary the Prophet: She Magnifies the Lord
December 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Before she was Jesus' mother, Mary proclaimed God's justice. Tonight we celebrate Mary as a prophet, a young woman who proclaimed a revolutionary vision of God's justice breaking into the world.
A Different Kind of Christmas Story
We know Mary as the mother of Jesus. But before the angels, before the shepherds, before the manger, Mary sang a song that shook the foundations of the empire.
When she learned she would bear a child, Mary didn't simply accept her fate quietly. She erupted in prophecy. Her Magnificat, her song of praise, proclaimed a God who overturns the world's power structures, who brings down rulers and lifts up the forgotten, who feeds the hungry and sends the rich away empty.
This Christmas Eve, we reclaim Mary as a prophet. We listen to her radical words. We remember that the story of Jesus begins with a revolutionary vision of justice proclaimed by a young woman who dared to magnify the Lord.
"He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty."
Mary's Magnificat, Luke 1:52-53
The Service
Join us for a traditional candlelight service infused with progressive theology. We gather to sing beloved carols, light candles in the darkness, and reflect on what Mary's prophetic vision means for us today.
What We'll Experience:
Sacred Music Traditional Christmas hymns and carols led by exceptional Bay Area musicians
Mary's Magnificat Scripture, reflection, and the revolutionary words of a young prophet
Silent Night The beloved carol sung by candlelight
Lighting of Candles Passing the light from person to person, candle to candle, as darkness gives way to hope
Pastoral Reflections Rev. Laurie Manning explores Mary as prophet and what her vision calls us to today
Our Musicians
This Christmas Eve service features some of the Bay Area's finest musical talent, bringing beauty and excellence to our worship.
Adam Green, Music Director
Adam Green serves as Music Director at Skyline High School and is recognized as East Bay Teacher of the Year. His exceptional musicianship and dedication to music education have shaped countless students' lives. Adam brings both technical excellence and deep musical sensitivity to his direction of our Christmas Eve service.
Edward Nunoo, Bass
Edward Nunoo's rich bass voice provides depth and warmth to our Christmas music. His vocal artistry enhances the sacred atmosphere of this candlelight service.
Rob Finucane, Accompanist
Rob Finucane accompanies on piano/organ, providing the musical foundation for our carols and hymns. His skillful accompaniment supports both congregation and soloists throughout the service.
Rev. Laurie Manning, Pastor
Rev. Laurie Manning serves as Pastor of Skyline Community Church (UCC). She brings nearly two decades of pastoral ministry, weaving together progressive theology, social justice, and contemplative spirituality. Laurie holds degrees from Union Theological Seminary/Columbia U (M.Div.), Harvard (M.Ed.), and University of Michigan (MBA). Her Christmas Eve message invites us to hear Mary's prophetic voice anew.
Why Mary as Prophet?
For too long, Mary has been portrayed as silent, submissive, merely a vessel. But the biblical Mary is fierce. She proclaims God's judgment on unjust systems. She announces the coming of a kingdom where the last shall be first.
Mary's Magnificat echoes the song of Hannah in the Hebrew scriptures. It stands in a long tradition of women prophets who spoke truth to power: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna. Mary joins their chorus.
This Christmas Eve, we honor Mary's prophetic voice. We ask ourselves: What does her vision of justice demand of us? How do we live into a world where the hungry are filled and the powerful are brought down? What does it mean to magnify the Lord in a time like ours?
Who This Service Is For
This service welcomes:
- Progressive Christians seeking theology that matters
- Anyone who loves traditional Christmas music and candlelight
- People from all faith backgrounds curious about a justice-centered Christmas story
- Those who want both beauty and substance in their Christmas Eve worship
- Families teaching children that faith includes working for justice
Anyone seeking meaning beyond holiday sentimentality
All are welcome. No matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
Practical Information
- When: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Where: Skyline Community Church (UCC), 12540 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94619
- What to Expect: Traditional service, approximately 60 minutes, with carols, candlelight, and progressive theology
- What to Bring: Just yourself we provide candles for the candlelight portion
- Cost: Free and open to all (donations welcome to support our ministries)
- Parking: Available on-site
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, large-print bulletins available
- Children: All ages welcome the candlelight portion is a beautiful experience for children with parental supervision
Christmas Eve Traditions Meet Progressive Faith
At Skyline Community Church, we believe you don't have to choose between beautiful tradition and prophetic justice, between beloved carols and radical theology, between the warmth of candlelight and the fire of social transformation.
This Christmas Eve service honors the liturgical traditions many of us grew up with Silent Night, candlelight, the Christmas story while also inviting us to hear these stories with fresh ears. What if the birth of Jesus really was a threat to empire? What if Mary's song really did proclaim revolution? What if Christmas is not just about peace and goodwill, but about God's preferential option for the poor?
We invite you to experience Christmas Eve worship that is both deeply traditional and radically progressive where Silent Night and the Magnificat speak together of hope breaking into a world desperate for justice.
Join Us Christmas Eve
Hear Mary's prophetic voice.
Sing Silent Night by candlelight.
Remember that God takes the side of the lowly.
December 24, 2025 7:00 PM
Skyline Community Church
12540 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland
skylineucc.org • (510) 531 8212
Skyline Community Church (UCC)
Progressive Christian. Open & Affirming. Welcoming all.
