LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Whether it’s a family tradition or their first time at a church service, Arkansans gathered far and wide to celebrate Christmas.
For some, like First Baptist Little Rock’s children’s minister Tamra Norman, it’s a family tradition.
“You can always count on sections of the church just being filled with big families and they just look forward to this every year. It’s kind of like at our house my kids know this is what we’re going to do and they get excited for it,” Norman said.
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“One thing I always love is the families that come in from out of town, they still come to this service. All the families come together. So a lot of people we don’t see throughout the year, we know we’re going to see them tonight,” Norman said.
For many, it dates back decades.
“Then you have people that have been staples in this church since the 80s that will be here tonight,” Norman said.
Or, it’s the continuation of a tradition they hope will continue on for decades to come.
“They get to go up there, talk with him and then get a treat,” Norman said. “So, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s a lot of fun to see the kids so excited because it’s Christmas Eve!”
The hope, to remind folks why they’re celebrating at a time when many may be more focused on what’s going to be under the tree tomorrow.
Bishop Anthony Taylor from the Diocese of Little Rock emphasized that.
“The commercialization of it is, you know, I guess a byproduct of people wanting to celebrate, but sometimes people get a little off focus of what’s really important,” Taylor said.
For churches like the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and First Baptist Little Rock, it’s about celebrating Jesus Christ with those they love most.
“It’s all about just families coming together and celebrating the reason for the season,” Norman said.
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But if you don’t have anyone to celebrate it with, both churches, like many in the region, say their doors are always open.
“Everyone’s welcome to come, you don’t have to be a catholic to come to mass,” Taylor said.
“Our hope and prayer is that everyone’s connected. Whether that’s with a local body of believers, whether that’s with their family, connection is so important. We know that Jesus didn’t create us to go through this life alone,” Norman said.
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