Many denominations celebrate Christmas in different ways including live theatre and music. Check out one of the local congregations listed below for upcoming Christmas services.
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
The Christmas Story in 3D will take place at Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s family-friendly Christmas Eve services on Thursday, December 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at both the Brandon and Apollo Beach campuses. The Brandon campus is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The Apollo Beach campus is located at 6414 Golf and Sea Blvd. in Apollo Beach. For more information, visit www.bellshoals.com.
Centerpoint Church
Centerpoint Church will be holding three Christmas Eve services on Thursday, December 24 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. More details can be found at www.centerpointfl.org. The church is located at 1801 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico.
Crossing Church
Join the Crossing Church and Lead Pastor Greg Dumas this holiday season as they celebrate the birth of Christ through the “Heaven on Earth” Christmas production. This retelling of the Nativity story will include music, live drama, lighting and media elements the whole family can enjoy. The church is located at 10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr. in Tampa. Services will be held Tuesday, December 22 at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 23 at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m., and Thursday, December 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Visit crossingchristmas.org.
First Baptist of Brandon
First Baptist Brandon’s Annual Living Christmas Tree production will be December 6, 12 and 13 at 6 p.m. in the FBC Sanctuary. Admission is free. Deaf interpretation will be available during the December 13 performance.
The annual Christmas Music Celebration will be Sunday, December 20 at 5 p.m. This Christmas concert includes the Senior Adult Silver Tones Choir, student choir, and children’s choirs, as well as other special performances.
The Christmas Eve Service will be held on Thursday, December 24 with prelude music beginning at 4:30 p.m. Families are invited as there will be a special time for all children to participate in the story of Jesus’ birth.
FishHawk Fellowship Church
Join FishHawk Fellowship Church for an outside service at Newsome High School’s football stadium for their Christmas Eve service called, “Light.” The service begins at 5 p.m. and will end around 6:15 p.m. The gathering will feature a string quartet, Christmas music, and a message from Senior Pastor David Whitten.
Grace Community United Methodist
On Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. the youth of the church will be performing, A Not so Silent Night. It is a drama/music program that focuses on the shepherds’ account of what happened the night Jesus was born. Traditional carols will be included throughout the service.
At 7 p.m. the church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (a more liturgical service with traditional responsive readings, lighting of the Advent wreath, and music throughout.) The evening will close with Holy Communion; all who believe are welcome to receive.
Grace Community UMC is located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. Call 661-8858.
Immanuel Lutheran Church & School
Christmas Services will be held on Thursday, December 24 at 5 p.m., with a Sunday School program at 7 p.m. A Candlelight Communion Service will be held at 9 p.m. On Christmas Day, there will be a 10 a.m. service. Immanuel Lutheran Church & School is located at 2913 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For information, call 689-1787 or visit www.GodSoLoved.org.
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Join St. Stephen Catholic Church for the Holy Day celebrating Our Lady’s special role as the Immaculate Mother of Christ. A vigil Mass on Monday, December 7 begins at 7 p.m., and you can also celebrate the Solemnity Tuesday, December 8 at either 8 a.m. or 7 p.m.
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
St. Stephen Church welcomes your whole family and your neighbors, too, at one of its joyful services to celebrate the birth of Jesus. On Christmas Eve, there are Masses in the church at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 12 Midnight. If you prefer the outdoor tent, Mass is celebrated at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 12 Midnight. Christmas Day Mass is celebrated in the church at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. (no 5:30 p.m. Mass).
