Churches celebrate in different ways

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house … every family has their own Christmas traditions and every church family does as well.

Some are traditions that remain the same year to year and others have variations from time to time. There are pageants, nativities, caroling, cantatas and candlelight services happening all around us. Something for everyone can be found in this season celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

St. Stevens Baptist Church is inviting the community to attend its three-part production of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The play will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday. It is performed by the youth of the church. Described as a dynamic performance, by Deacon Tony Mack, there will be singing with Mary and baby Jesus as well as a celebration with angels. 

The “Singing Christmas Tree” program is conducted and organized by Mrs. Faye Coates, Music Director, and is performed at Remington Baptist Church. Coates reveals that this year’s program is titled, “Touched by a Child; Touched by a King.” The program will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday and again on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. with candlelight communion.

Pastor John Farrar, interim Pastor at Remington for the third year, describes it as a sight to behold adding that, “for a small congregation, the quality of the singers is above expectation.” He describes the tree structure, made of wood, as having many different parts with four or five landing areas where the choir members, seen only from the neck up, can stand amidst the tree. The structure resembles the shape of a tree, and is covered with greenery so that the wood is unseen.

“This is the 14th year of doing this program,” Coates says, elaborating that the tree is immense, taking up the entire front of the sanctuary, up to the ceiling; a must see presentation.

During the holiday season, some people are experiencing challenges or struggle with feelings of loneliness, sadness, or loss.  Churches all over the country hold “Blue Christmas” services for people who are “blue” this time of year. Some churches refer to such services as “Longest Night” services and hold them on the shortest day of the year. 

This year, Culpeper United Methodist Church is holding a “Blue Christmas” service at 7 p.m. Monday. Pastor Norma Jean Fellows, member of CUMC, tapped this idea from a neighboring pastor who shared information about their celebration 6 years ago.

Deciding to organize such a service this year, Fellows describes it as “a low key, somber service, not filled with Christmas carols.” Fellows adds, “the service will include quiet, reflective time, scripture reading, a short message and special music.” The color of the evening, she says, is blue and she encourages people who are going through a difficult time or have experienced loss, to attend this service.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is focusing on doing works of charity to honor the Christ child during the Christmas season. On Dec. 7, members held their second Coat Sunday. Father Michael Gray, pastor at St. Stephen’s, explains that, “we typically give about 100 coats to the USDA food giveaway that is done on third Saturdays. It is a way to remember John the Baptist’s call, ‘Let those who have two coats, share with those who have none,’” he adds.

As they have done for the past five years, last Sunday they collected Christmas gifts to brighten the most unfortunate children at Sycamore Park. On Sunday, the congregation at St. Stephen’s will be caroling to their sick and shut-in members.

Gray is especially proud of the heat shelter program that was started this winter. They volunteered their church to other congregations a couple weeks ago, so that they could take their turn to help the homeless. These other churches don’t have their own buildings yet but still wanted to take their turn and house the homeless.  Gray says this is especially beautiful, “homeless churches offering shelter to homeless people.”

Whether it’s a Christmas play, a Blue Christmas service, or lending assistance to those less fortunate, area churches have something to offer everyone during this season of Advent. Take a moment to reflect and remember the true reason for this holiday season.

Amy Wagner covers church news for the Star Exponent. Have a story idea? E-mail her at .