This year, First Baptist Church of Pinckneyville celebrated its Christmas Eve service Wednesday morning.

The church, founded 143 years ago in Pinckneyville, decided the morning service would give the congregation more time with families.

Brother Tim Bauersachs came up with the idea after thinking about the meaning of Christmas, he said.

"Christmas is entirely about the birth of the King, who came to this world to save us from our sins. With the birth of Christ, a family was created. I felt this is a time that the congregation can come together," Bauersachs said. "It also allows the family more quality time to spend together over the next two days."

The service was well attended.

Cathy Wittner summed it up: "The service gives us a time to slow down and spend quality time with our family and celebrate the birth of Christ."

The 9 a.m., hour-long service included a reading of the Christmas story by members of the congregation, songs and prayers. It concluded with "Silent Night" sung in candlelight.

- Chuck Novara