“Welcome!”

That was the response I received all day yesterday at churches throughout Birmingham as I walked up unannounced and asked to take pictures of the greenery, poinsettias, altars and creches.

Some folks were joyful, catching their second wind after a full day preparing their church for Christmas Eve. Others were focused at the task at hand, arranging flowers, the creche or the altar – but for a moment, they dropped everything and guided me.

ALL the churches I visited welcomed this stranger. In the midst of volunteering or doing their job for the church, every person I met had this openness about them, loving -kindness… Christmas spirit.

Many thanks to the churches Bham Now was able to photograph yesterday – St. Mary’s on the Highlands (which is the church I attend), Independent Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Highlands United Methodist Church, Cathedral of St. Paul and St. John A.M.E. Church.

They all made it a very special and memorable day – by their spirit and love.

Below are photos and a slideshow of their churches, inside and out in preparation for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We welcome you, our Bham Now readers to send pictures of your church this Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Send photos to: Pat@bhamnow.com

Enjoy!