It is hard to believe, but Christmas is upon us. In just a few short days we will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
We will also give gifts to show our love for one another and the love that God showed to us in giving us the Lord Jesus. Many of us will also have family gatherings and wonderful meals.
Are you ready?
Have you gotten your cards written and sent as well as your gifts mailed?
Did you complete your holiday baking?
Are all your gifts wrapped and under your tree?
Did you send the donations you wanted to make?
So many things to keep us busy at this joyous time of year.
This year, Christmas Eve is on Sunday, which means many churches will have a variety of opportunities to worship and serve others. The Crestview News Bulletin has a list of many Christmas activities.
First United Methodist Church, 599 Eighth Ave., will have their second annual Christmas "Acts of Kindness" at 9 a.m. in the Crossroads Center. The congregation will be "putting together and delivering gifts to firefighters, police officers, restaurant workers, and many others who find themselves working while others celebrate."
What a nice gift to the community. All are welcome to participate in this fun activity.
Then at 11 a.m. the entire church will participate in a combined service in the Sanctuary. The Chancel choir will perform a Christmas cantata followed by a message.
Many of our local churches will have Christmas Eve services. Here are a few:
•First Presbyterian Church: two candlelight services, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
•First United Methodist: candlelight service at 6 p.m.
•Live Oak Baptist Church: candlelight service at 6 p.m.
•Our Lady of Victory: Christmas Eve services at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and midnight
•Woodlawn Baptist Church: Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m.
•First Baptist Church: Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m.
•Central Baptist Church: Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m.
•Crosspoint, South Crestview: Contemporary Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
•Crosspoint, North Crestview: Contemporary Christmas Eve at 6:30 p.m.
•Lifepoint: candlelight service at 6 p.m.
You may also check with the church of your choice as to the times of their Christmas Eve service.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Get ready for Crestview’s Christmas Eve services