GAINESVILLE - They sang the age-old hymns and gathered to celebrate the true purpose of Christmas Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Gainesville.
In all there were five services to accommodate those who took time out from shopping to come worship in the 700-seat sanctuary. First Methodist was one of several area churches offering Christmas Eve services.
Fathers, sons, mothers and daughters filled the pews to hear and sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "What Child is this," to watch the lighting of the Advent candles, the Christ Candle and listen to the promise from the Book of Isaiah, which foretold the birth of the Messiah.
Children in the audience were invited to come forward and listen to the Christmas Story, then join in singing the first verse of "Away in a Manger."
First Methodist invited its worshipers back New Year's eve for a Watch Night Service to bring in the New Year.
Friday
October 18th, 2024
2:26PM
