There will be two Christmas programs today at the First Presbyterian Church, one at 4 p.m. that is geared toward families and children, the second will be at 7 p.m. and is a traditional candlelight, communion service.

Shasta Brown is in charge of the programs and said the event is open to the public.

Brown inherited the job from Carolyn Robertson and is now the director of Christian education at the church. This will be the 17th year for the programs at the church.

“It’s so much a part of so many people’s Christmas Eves that there are people that come that their children have long since aged out and are now in college. They still come at 4 o’clock on Christmas Eve to watch the children tell the Christmas story. I think that’s really neat and it says a lot about how much this is a part of our church family and our tradition. I would love for other people to join us,” Brown said.

The 4 p.m. service will be conducted strictly by the youth of the church. The children tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Brown said the children sing Christmas carols and “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

“We get cozy, but there is room for everybody and we would love to have everyone come join us.”

The 7 p.m. service is a traditional worship service with candlelight and communion. Pastor Steve Lindsley and other members of the congregation will be playing acoustic instruments during the service.

“You’ll have people there who will be dressed up like for Sunday morning and you’ll have kids there in their pajamas and everything in between. It’s whatever you are comfortable in. It’s more about being there to worship and celebrate the real meaning of the season,” Brown said.

The First Presbyterian Church is located at 326 South Main Street.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.