Home for Christmas
Church bells ring out on Christmas morning, their joyful sound echoing the excitement in our own hearts as we celebrate the birth of our Savior together. Each year on Christmas Eve, we welcome hundreds of people to our campus. While the halls of HP Pres are filled with beauty, it is the people who make it come alive. Without the wonderful volunteers who help greet, pour coffee, and usher guests to their seats, Christmas Eve would not be the same.
Mark and his wife, Jackie, have volunteered for nearly a decade, welcoming people as they join us in celebrating the ultimate gift of salvation on Christmas Eve. Mark shares, “We love seeing families, many of them with multi-generations, coming to Church to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The excitement of celebrating the birth of Jesus with others is truly a special time.”
For many people, Christmas Eve is the first time they’ve stepped into a church in a long time. For others it’s the first time they’ve ever been to church. We have the opportunity to welcome them wholeheartedly into our community of Christ-followers. Mark shares, “It has been such a blessing serving as a greeter. Jackie and I love people and share the spiritual gift of hospitality. We love welcoming members and visitors to God’s House, hearing stories of why they have chosen to come to HP Pres, whether it is for a one time visit or they are looking for their church home.”
Each person walking through the doors of HP Pres has their own struggles, successes, and questions about faith. Whether they are new to our church or have been attending for many years, we can do our part in making them feel safe to explore their faith in Jesus alongside us. Mark and Jackie share, “We would encourage everyone to volunteer somewhere at HP Pres during Christmas. There are so many opportunities. You never know how a smile and a warm ‘Welcome! How are you today?’ will affect someone.”
Sign up to serve on Christmas Eve at hppres.org/advent.
