As has long been the tradition, area churches held special services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago in the small village of Bethlehem.

This year an Express staff member attended the Christmas Eve service at the Union Church of Hardy.

The church bell rang out at 5 p.m. to announce the start of the service. Lanterns with candles burning lined the steps to the church as the faithful gathered for the service.

Kevin Miller opened the service with a welcome. The Advent candles were lit and several Christmas carols sung including Joy to the World, Light the Advent Candle, The First Noel, Away in the Manger and Silent Night. Danny Jackson was the guest speaker. As the service closed, the lights dimmed and candles were lit before The Lord's Prayer was prayed in unison. Also included in the program was a responsive reading and another reading titled "Reading the Light,"