Anybody who has been to Bradford knows that the community is notorious for coming together; the scene at the First Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve served as proof.

Katherine Randall, co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church, shared her excitement just minutes before the start of Monday’s service, saying it’s a great time to come together as one community.

“It is about remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus and God coming in flesh to live among us,” she said. “We read scripture; we sing hymns that people would probably recognize as Christmas carols. We share communion and we end our service by singing ‘Silent Night’ and sharing candlelight.”

All in all, Randall said that people of all ages enjoy the services, especially children.

She explained, “I think it’s a particularly good night for kids to come. I think there’s something drawing for them: I think they really absorb the lights, the songs and the candlelight. They’re really responsive to that, so I think kids really enjoy the service.”

Randall also shared a humorous moment at the end of a service a few years ago.

“There was a service a few years ago at the very end of ‘Silent Night’ when we were standing in the dark with just candlelight. It was totally quiet and this kid just said, ‘and Amen!’ So that young child really understood what we were celebrating and why we were there.”

Randall expressed her gratitude to those who observe Christmas with the group by attending the service.

She said, “We’re really glad to be able to celebrate this service with the church and the community.”