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Churches mark Christmas Eve with candlelight services
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The Advent candles are placed at the front of the sanctuary at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The white candle in the center will be lit during the church’s Christmas Eve service.
As Christmas is five days away, Gainesville residents may seek to celebrate Jesus’ birth at one of the many Christmas Eve services the city has to offer. And a common element among many churches is at least one service conducted by candlelight. Candlelight services date back to the first century and developed into the tradition celebrated today, said Bill Coates, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Gainesville.