![Max Lonsdale holds Ryker Perales as they both hold lighted candles during a Candlelight Service held on Christmas Eve in a previous year at Council Road Baptist Church in Bethany. [Photo provided]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-5b5d0ae67c06a619a4f428991933300b.jpg)
Some churches will modify the way they offer one of the most anticipated church services of the year.
But regardless of whether Christmas Eve services are held in-person or online only, the theme will remain the same: Hope in Christ.
"If we've lost our hope, the Christ child brings hope. If we've lost our purpose, the Christ child teaches us purpose. Whatever we've lost, for one night we can kind of push that aside and regain the hope that maybe 2021 will start a better way," said the Rev. Norman Behymer, executive pastor and ministry strategist at Council Road Baptist Church.
The Bethany church at 2900 N Council Road, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Candlelight Service, held each Christmas Eve. Behymer said church leaders debated the wisdom of hosting the service and decided to move forward with it because they will be able to ensure that people are socially distanced and following other health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Behymer said another reason they wanted to have the in-person service is because people need to come together for this much-needed seasonal message of hope.
"So I think for us to come at the end of this service and sing 'All is Well' makes it well. Why? Because 2,000 years ago the Christ child came into the world and Him coming into the world makes all well."
Meanwhile, at other houses of worship like Crossings Community Church, leaders decided to forego in-person services, opting to offer them online instead.
The Rev. Marty Grubbs, Crossings' longtime senior pastor, said the Christmas Eve service is probably the most well-attended service of the year. He said the service drew about 22,000 people to the church, 14600 N Portland last year.
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