Christmas Eve is a popular time to attend church. This year, Christma Eve falls on a Sunday making it even more special as it is the traditional time many families come together to attend church.
On Christmas Eve many churches in the region will hold special services that include the singing of Christmas Carols as well as activities and special events for children.
Check with your local place of worship to see what they have planned. This is a great time to get together with your community and celebrate the holy season with family and friends.
You may see old friends or make new ones, but the main aim is to come together to celebrate the season of giving and joy. Everyone is made to feel welcome when they join in the celebrations and explore the traditions that make up a Christian Christmas. In the Christian religion, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ by the virgin Mary, which is observed on December 25 by Roman Catholics and Protestants. Many in the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity observe the Christmas holiday, Epiphany. Many people today celebrate Christmas with traditions such as Christmas trees and the figure of Santa Claus.
The English word "Christmas" derives from the old English Christes maesse, meaning "Christ's mass." Christians have been celebrating Jesus' birth on December 25 since at least the early fourth century. The first evidence of its observance is in Rome in 336 AD. Today, many places of worship hold a special Christmas Day service that includes the singing of Christmas hymns such as ‘O Holy Night’ and Silent Night while ministers relive the story of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mother Mary.
The service is enjoyed by the whole family and is a wonderful opportunity to meet with neighbours and friends to celebrate the season of giving. Check your local places of worship for the events and services they have planned this Christmas season. It pays to get there a little early as these services always prove to be the most popular of the year.
