We hope many of our community members will take an hour out of the day to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas," said lead pastor Aaron McNatt of Wrightsville Assembly of God, describing the church's Christmas Eve services. "We'll sing carols by candlelight, hear the story that changed the world and receive Communion together."

The church will offer two one-hour services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 2 and 4 p.m., but they won't be held on-site. Instead, the services will occur in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) of Eastern York High School, 720 Cool Creek Road, Wrightsville.

"We held our Easter Sunday services in the Performing Arts Center and it was an incredible day," McNatt recalled. "The PAC is a beautiful venue, and the large space made parking and flow of traffic so nice for everyone. We are really blessed to be in the Eastern York School District."

He hopes the larger venue will draw a big crowd, noting that Wrightsville Assembly of God typically holds three Sunday morning services at the church to accommodate everyone.

"Having an opportunity to gather in a 1,000-seat auditorium like this, for what we anticipate to be the fullest service of the year, is a blessing to our church family and our holiday guests," he said.

McNatt emphasized that the Christmas Eve services are for families. "Nursery and pre-K will have their own classrooms," he explained, adding that parents can check children in upon arrival or preregister at the church's website, http://www.wrightsvillechurch.com. "Preregistered kids will have their name tags already printed for them when they arrive at the check-in desk."

Christmas Eve visitors will have an opportunity to take a family photo in the lobby, as well.

McNatt invites everyone to come to one of the services.

"I hope people that don't even attend church and perhaps wouldn't feel comfortable showing up at church on a Sunday morning will take advantage of this opportunity on Christmas Eve at the Performing Arts Center," he said. "It's an opportunity to express gratitude to God for his faithfulness in 2023 and a chance to reflect on the birth of Christ and what that event means for all mankind. Everyone is welcome."