Many Tulsa churches hold Christmas Day services

Christmas falls on a Sunday for the first time in more than a decade and that's stirring up a little controversy among churches. <br/><br/>Some of the larger churches around the country canceled services

Sunday, December 25th 2005, 3:28 pm

By: News On 6

Christmas falls on a Sunday for the first time in more than a decade and that's stirring up a little controversy among churches.

Some of the larger churches around the country canceled services Sunday, anticipating low attendance. A move some congregations disagree with. News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims explains how several Tulsa churches handled Christmas services.

Christmas carols filled the Mabee Center Sunday morning as the Victory Christian choir lifted their voices to celebrate the holiday. Victory Christian is one of many Tulsa churches that decided to hold regular services this holiday Sunday.

Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty: "our experience has been that every person who comes really want to be here and they're very excited about worshipping God on a day that honors him."

The halls of some churches are silent. Church on the Move joined several large churches around the country in canceling services. They held an extended Christmas Eve service that's usually well attended. And they cancelled Sunday Service in order to give volunteers time with their families. Some say church is time with family.

Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty: "there are other people that are alone, they're single, they're widowed for whatever reason. And so for them coming to church on Christmas is the time for them to be with their family."

Tulsa's First Baptist Church tuned into an audience beyond its walls. They're broadcasting Christmas service on the Internet and KFAQ radio for those folks at home or on the road.

At First United Methodist Church in Tulsa several members were happy to celebrate the holiday at church.

Elaine Faulkner at First United Methodist: "very important very important to honor Christ and thank god for sending Christ into the world to save us.

Steve Faulkner at First United Methodist: "cause it keeps focus on christ and the meaning of Christmas and not skipping the service for the opening of gifts and eating that type thing."

Jackie Bowlin at First United Methodist: "well its Christmas and its the birth of Jesus where else, better place could you be."