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Music and storytelling mark Christmas celebrations in SLC

Posted at 10:40 PM, Dec 24, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-25 00:42:10-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- As millions of people around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, some Christians at a pair of Salt Lake City churches shared their Christmas traditions with FOX 13.

At Christ United Methodist Church, middle school-age children rehearsed Christmas carols played on handbells in preparation for what they call "a very active Christmas."

"This is a service that we've designed for children and families. It just doesn't seem for kids on Christmas Eve when they're all excited to have to come to church and sit still," said Pastor Jean Schwien.

Schwien said the celebration at Christ United Methodist Church includes a story with parts acted out by members of the congregation.

At the Cathedral of the Madeleine, a church choir sang Christmas hymns as part of its celebration. The cathedral's Christmas carol service started 16 years ago when a choir school was formed there.

"The wonderful thing about them is they're open to people of any faith. They're not specifically Roman Catholic. And so, it's a way for anyone in our community to come and to prepare for this holy season," said Father Gregory Glenn, Director of Liturgy and Music at the cathedral.

The services at the Cathedral of the Madeleine also included a traditional Christmas mass.