The Nativity story comes to life in lights

Tucked behind Grandville United Methodist Church in Michigan is an eye-catching light display that brings the Christmas story to life. The 15-minute show, featuring more than 6,000 twinkling lights, runs from 5 to 9 each evening from early December through Epiphany in January. Lilla Marigza takes us there.

Watch video

In 2023, the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church shared this story about the Rev. Ryan Wieland and the collaborators who created the light show.

For more information on the light show, contact Grandville United Methodist Church.

Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

UM News Podcast Season One

Coming September 28: Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. 
Discipleship
Pastor Dean Roush (right) and volunteers from Mora United Methodist Church in Minnesota sing with residents of a nursing home as part of the church’s community outreach. A free bread giveaway and weekly coffee chat also provide opportunities for church members to be in fellowship with their community. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Church finds joy in bread, coffee and communion

Members of Mora United Methodist and their pastor reach beyond the church’s walls to connect with neighbors.
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe, superintendent for The United Methodist Church’s Bulawayo Midlands District in Zimbabwe, holds a baby at a transit camp set up by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for migrants who have left South Africa amid anti-immigration protests. The temporary center in the sanctuary of the United Church of Christ in Southern Africa in Njube was the hub for humanitarian efforts by mainline churches in Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe.

United Methodists respond to South African migration crisis

The United Methodist Church supports thousands of undocumented migrants fleeing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved