Christmas Eve service: a gathering of faith and tradition

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today is Christmas Eve, and for millions of Americans, it’s not just a day to gather with family, but also a day to gather with fellow worshippers.

According to a poll conducted by Lifeway Research, nearly 50% of pastors say Christmas Eve services are their most attended services every year.

Mark Steelman is a worshipper and deacon at First Baptist Church in Wilmington.

He said Christmas Eve service is so important because it allows them to not only talk about the birth of Jesus but to reach out to those who may need spiritual guidance.

“The service, the important thing is to feel Christ’s love that resides in your heart and we want to take that home,” Steelman said. “And we want that to be a very, very important part of the experience, to feel Christ’s love and to know everyone is loved.”

First Baptist Church ended its service by singing “Silent Night” by candlelight.