Capacity at First Baptist means 1,400 people according to pastor, the Reverend Dr. Bill Coates at his 14th annual Christmas Eve service.
"The church when it's absolutely, completely packed will hold that many, and it's always completely packed," Reverend Coates said.
Reverend Coates said Christmas traditions are wonderful, but celebrating the Nativity is central to it all.
"This is the heart of it," he said. "This is where all of it comes from, all the giving and everything else. It's wonderful simply to be a part of it and to be part of a community that enjoys celebrating this."
Dr. Coates told his audience that despite the tragedy and sadness around the world and in Gainesville this week Christmas Eve was a time to celebrate with a spirit of joy and gladness that 'God has come down among us and that God is with us'.
Reverend Coates said Christmas traditions are wonderful, but celebrating the Nativity is central to it all
Capacity at First Baptist means 1,400 people according to pastor, the Reverend Dr. Bill Coates at his 14th annual Christmas Eve service
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/12/244549