In a topsy-turvy pandemic world, points of light are often hard to find. COVID-19 has forced the discontinuance of in-person worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Emmaus until further notice. Even celebratory Christmas Eve services have been canceled. But one constant of the season is music and according to St. John’s organist Timothy Ginder, “We are keeping the music going.”

With the exception of the year when he suffered an arm injury which prohibited him from playing, Ginder has provided organ music as part of Christmas Eve festivities for 25 consecutive years. He has no intention of skipping this one.

Although next year Ginder intends to again enhance St. John’s Christmas Eve services with additional anthems and guest musicians, the 2020 situation demands a nontraditional approach. Therefore, with the support of St. John’s Pastor Jeffery Carstens and the approval of the church’s worship and music committee, Ginder will turn on the lights, open the windows and greet passersby with the melodies of Christmas.

Carols will be performed 7-7:30 p.m .and 8-8:30 p.m. Dec. 24.

As stated in the church’s news release, everyone is invited to drive or walk to St. John’s at Fifth and Chestnut streets and “reflect on the familiar Christmas story in song ...”