The arrival of Christmas Eve may see some stores closing early so that employees can spend time with their families, but many area churches will be offering services for quiet reflection on the meaning of the season.

Candlelight services, Holy Communion and the singing of traditional carols and messages from the pulpit are part of the Christmas tradition in churches. Check with your local church offices for services. Some have services planned both Saturday and Sunday.

Communion will be finale of many services on Saturday and Sunday as worshippers celebrate the birth of Christ.

At St. Bernard Abbey, worshipers will arrive at Abbey Church just before midnight Saturday to begin a traditional mass with a sermon, traditional hymns and Christmas chants.

Father Joel Martin of St. Bernard said the message and spirit of Christmas remains strong during the season each year.

“I think everyone gets infected with the spirit of Christmas. It’s a good thing to see. It’s a sign that people still carry the hope that came when God came to us as a baby. It’s hard not to get caught up in it, as God came to be with us,” Martin said.

Christmas Eve marks the end of the Advent season, which is a time of expectation and preparation for the birth of Christ.

While numerous churches will offer services for members and visitors, these are some services from different denomination over the holiday:

Sacred Heart Church of Jesus Roman Catholic Church – Cullman

Saturday

8 a.m. – Mass

4 p.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: (Children’s) Vigil Mass

Sunday

12 a.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: Mass during the Night

10 a.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: Mass during the Day

SPANISH

Saturday

8 p.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: Vigil Mass

Sunday

6 p.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: Mass during the Day

St. Boniface – Hanceville

Sunday

12 a.m. – the Nativity of the Lord: Mass during the Night

St. Bernard Abbey, The Abbey Church – Cullman

Sunday

12 a.m. Mass

10:30 a.m. Mass

First Baptist Church – Cullman

Saturday

5 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Communion

Sunday

10 a.m. Christman morning service

Desperation Church

Saturday

4 p.m. and 5 p.m. services

First United Methodist Church – Cullman

Saturday

5 p.m. Candlelight service, Hearin Hall

7 p.m. Carols, Christmas message, Holy Communion, Sanctuary

Sunday

10 a.m. Service in Sanctuary

St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church – Cullman

Saturday

12 p.m. Communion in the Sanctuary

11:30 p.m. Candlelight communion in Atrium

Sunday

6 a.m. Communion in the Sanctuary.

Temple Baptist – County Road 1184, Cullman

Sunday

10 a.m. Service