“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”
– Luke 2:1-14
Area churches will join Christians around the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the miracle of the Christmas season.
At First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), church members will take roles in sharing The Story in performances at 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. December 22.
Then at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the church will present a living nativity followed by a worship service at 6 p.m.
Christmas music will be the focus of a special service at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The congregation will also participate in a candlelight family-style communion service at 6 p.m. December 22.
Another musical presentation will happen at Union Hill Baptist Church.
“The Song of Bethlehem” will be directed by Terry Boston. Performances are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. December 22.
First Baptist Church in Purcell will present adult and children’s Christmas music at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. The church will also have a Lord’s Supper service at 10 a.m. December 22.
There will be a candlelight service at 6 p.m. December 22 at Washington First Baptist Church.
Members of Sunray Baptist Church will be taking Christmas outside the church walls with a visit to Sunset Estates on Friday.
The church members will sing for residents at 10 a.m.
The church will also have a candlelight service at 5 p.m. December 22. Fellowship will follow the service.
At Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, there will be bilingual Masses at 6 p.m. and midnight on December 24.
Christmas Mass in English will be celebrated at 10 a.m. December 25.
A Christmas cantata will be performed at Trinity United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
The church’s Christmas service will be at 10:30 a.m. December 22 and there will also be a candlelight service at 6 p.m. December 24.
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