Joy bubbles up from deep within when we realise that we are loved for who we are. When we understand that joy is a gift and not something we can claim, we can find we are ready to welcome it.

Br. Matthew of Taizé

Reprising our popular service, “Christmas by Candlelight,” this evening will open with shadow and light. We will welcome the Spirit of Christ Jesus, who was and is and is to come, with a memory of the Word made flesh.

What are you seeking? These first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John are a question to two young people standing in the Jordan valley. Last year, six young adults from six countries across four continents heard the same question. They answered:

Silence. A direction. Joy. Meaning. A just world. Community. Peace.

When Jesus asks His question, the young people reply, “Master, where do you live?” Jesus tells them, “Come and you will see.” (John 1:38-39) In his January 2026 letter, Br. Matthew, Prior of the Community of Taizé, reflects on the words of the six volunteers, and then responds with the Word of God. Our focus starts there, with inspiration from Taizé’s annual letter for 2026, “Que cherches-tu ?” Throughout our season, we will bring these lessons home to Central Texas.

Pastors and lay speakers will prepare brief homilies and written words of inspiration throughout the year. Scripture will be selected for meditation based on each of the seasonal topics. We will worship using a combination of both the Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers on various dates. Service type and location will always be noted.

Christmas Songs: The best part of our Christmas by Candlelight service is the candlelight procession of carols. After a brief homily and litany of intercession, worshipers are invited to light a candle to symbolize a private prayer. The choir will lead you in our favorite songs of the season as you enjoy the candlelight and silence. For an idea of the songs we like to sing, please enjoy this YouTube playlist.

About the Services

Our meetings use two very special types of worship templates: the Protestant Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers. The Service of Healing and Wholeness, found in many Protestant books of Common Worship, is the root of our approach. Occasional evenings of pure Taizé prayer are offered throughout the year. The major difference between the two is that a Taizé Common Prayer service replaces a spoken homily with readings from the Bible.

Even in the Services of Healing and Wholeness, most congregational songs are from the Community of Taizé. In every service, time is set aside for intercessory prayer, candle lighting, and private prayer with a minister. Many of our meetings offer open Communion, with gluten-free elements available. All services are open to the public.

We hope to see you, our friends and neighbors, in 2026-2027.