Area Church Plans Traditional Lucia Fest

The Swedish tradition of Santa Lucia will be observed at Church of the Good Shepherd Evangelical Covenant, 2437 Plainfield Rd. in Crest Hill, at noon Sunday, Dec. 11, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. worship service.

The Queen of Light will be portrayed by Ashley Estep, 16, the daughter of Christina and Michael Estep of Crest Hill.

As part of the traditional Lucia Fest, the Queen of Light, also known as Lucia, will invite the congregation to a Swedish smorgasbord, sponsored by Women Ministries. The cost for the meal is $5 per person; children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Estep will be accompanied by attendants portrayed by girls and boys from Church of the Good Shepherd Sunday school. Martha Skoien and Mari Baly Parga, the 2003 Lucia Queen, will sing “Santa Lucia” in Swedish, and Connie Barnard Scholp, the 2001 Lucia Queen, will read the traditional story of Lucia.

The celebration of Lucia Fest is a Swedish custom that ushers in the
Christmas holiday. According to legend, Lucia was a godly girl who became engaged to a nobleman at the age of 17. Before the wedding, Lucia gave her dowry to the poor as a thank you to God for answered prayer. Her intended husband, suspicious that she was a Christian, ordered her put to death on Dec. 13, 304 A.D.

Hundreds of years later, Lucia reportedly appeared in western Sweden during a famine to distribute food among starving people. She wore a long white gown and was encircled by light. Following Lucia’s visit, the days grew longer, leading people to believe she brought the end of winter and the return of light.

Lucia became known as a symbol of light, faith and Christian charity. The traditional celebration of Lucia Fest recognizes the return of light after the dark of winter and heralds the approaching Christmas season with candlelight and music. 

Estep is an active member of the high school youth group at Church of the Good Shepherd. She enjoys volunteering with pre-school ministries and Vacation Bible School and has attended youth camp and mission trips. She is a junior at Lockport Township High School, where she volunteers with a special needs class and participates in track and cross country. Estep also is a member of Girl Scout Troop 278.