Christmas Services Thursday, Dec. 24 Friday, Dec. 25 Various times Various locations Free

Faith gatherings

Check out our calendar under the category, “Faith,” for Christmas Eve and Christmas services at Springfield churches. Many offer candlelight and music. If you want to combine prayer with a beneficent deed, the folks at First Church of the Brethren, with the help of community volunteers, prepare meals for nearly 200 people on Christmas Day, then package and deliver them to home-bound citizens. They, and those who give and help others, are our pick this year for the true spirit of the season. If you are able to assist the First Church of the Brethren, call the church at 523-5212 or e-mail [email protected].