December is finally here as families and individuals anticipate the dawn of Christmas day. The expectation of wrapped presents under the tree, hot cocoa, cookies and the making of family memories, are often the highlight of the year. Before the festivities begin, consider attending one of these uplifting Christmas Eve services to help remind you why this season is so joyful.
- First Baptist Church of Hoquiam. Scheduled for 10:00 p.m., the First Baptist Church of Hoquiam will host a candlelight Christmas Eve service entitled, “The Star the Remains.” Special music from the church’s choir and musicians will be included. The service will focus on how individuals can be hopeful and encouraged despite the adversity in their lives. “Even in our distress…even when Christmas glories are past and gone and the world rolls back into a dismal place…even when it seems like it’s always winter and never Christmas, our Savior lifts us up and carries us every day of our lives,” said Pastor Adair Krack.
- Immanuel Baptist Church. Immanuel Baptist Church will host a candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 8:00 p.m. entitled Lessons and Carols. “Rich in traditions, using both Scripture and music, this evening holds a holy reverence as we worship the baby born in Bethlehem,” noted Pastor Kent Gravley. Following the service there will be dessert and refreshments.
- Twin Harbors Lutheran Church. Twin Harbors Lutheran Church is planning a beautiful Christmas Eve service filled with hope, love and music. “There will be an extended instrumental prelude of Christmas music, many traditional carols, Scripture readings, and a candlelight lighting ceremony,” said Pastor Daniel Wiktorek. “We will celebrate the loving presence of God come among us, family, community and hope for all humanity.” Service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
- Harbor City Church. Harbor City Church will be hosting their Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 23. There will be two services at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Becca Jessen, a member of the church says the service will feature “a mixture of music, dancing, story reading, a heartwarming and comical skit with a traditional candlelight closing. A short message, in addition to the rest of the night’s entertainment will provide a great opportunity to remember just how joyous of an event the birth of Jesus really is,” she added. At the conclusion of each service there will be warm drinks and cookies for all.
- Montesano Assembly of God. Montesano Assembly of God will present a short, 45-minute Christmas Eve service for the community at 6:30 p.m. “It will include communion, congregational singing and a short message,” said Pastor Bruce Swanson.
- Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. Christmas Eve Service will start at 8:00 p.m. and will include hymns, carols and the Holy Eucharist.
- Catholic Parishes of Grays Harbor. The Catholic Churches of Grays Harbor will be celebrating numerous Christmas Eve services throughout their parishes, scheduled as follows:
Saint Mary’s Church: 5:00 p.m. with a service in Spanish at 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Olympics: 6:00 p.m.
Saint Jerome: 6:00 p.m., with a Christmas music program taking place between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m.
Our Lady of Good Help: 9:00 p.m.
