The Lights of Wonder presentation at Christ’s Church at Lowhill, a United Church of Christ denomination, features a sanctuary filled with trees, evergreen rope and wreaths all decorated with 15,000 lights coordinated with music.

The Christmas Eve program at 6:30 p.m. preceded the candlelight service, which had attendees overflowing into the balconies.

Jason Ruhe opened the program with a sing-along he does at 5:15 p.m. each day.

Showtimes for Dec. 29 and 30 are at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. and at 7:45 p.m.

During the program, the church gradually transitions into darkness and the sky fills with stars and snowflakes as the Lights of Wonder begin.

Bulbs are red, green, blue and white. In addition to the trees and wreaths, the columns are wrapped in bulbs.

At times, an entire tree may be colored and at other times a section of the tree will be in different colors all set to music. Angels top two trees at the front of the church. Between the two large trees in the front is a Moravian star.

The Biblical story of Jesus birth is read with all lights in white.

The lights change to multiple colors and the program is dedicated to veterans – 1.3 million American troops have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years with the many wars. “God Bless the USA” was sung followed by the military unit anthems.

Santa Claus, aka Bill Ruhe, danced down the aisle. On a regular presentation day some of the children will be elves, but to keep the Christmas Eve program more serious the elves, without costumes, joined the other children in their dance.

The candlelight message was based on Hope: hope for the Messiah, hope in our lives and hope for the future in faith. The three bring peace and joy.