CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE

BRANTWOOD

• Northwoods STaR Ministries

Zion Lutheran Church

5090 County Road D

Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m.

BUTTERNUT

• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

410 W Michigan St.

Christmas Eve Mass, 7 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass, 8 a.m.

• St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

301 N 2nd St.

715-769-3731

CATAWBA

• St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

W9485 U.S. 8

Christmas Day Mass, 11 a.m.

FIFIELD

• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

W7231 Balsam St.

Christmas Day Mass, 11 a.m.

GLIDDEN

• Glidden Assembly of God

125 Zach St.

Dec 15: Christmas Program, 7 p.m.

Dec 22, Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m.

No Christmas Eve/Day Service

• Trinity Lutheran Church

76372 Lenz Road

Christmas Eve, 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, 9 a.m.

• Most Precious Blood Catholic Church

256 E 2nd St.

Christmas Eve Mass:

• Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 4 p.m.

• St. Ann Catholic Church in Sanborn, 6:15 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass:

• St. Anthony Catholic Church in Highbridge, 7:30 a.m.

• Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mellen, 9 a.m.

KENNAN

• Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

W10363 Main St.

No services

OGEMA

• Northwoods STaR Ministries

First Lutheran Church of Ogema

W4950 State Highway 86

Christmas Eve Service, 9 p.m.

PARK FALLS

• Assembly of God - Family Worship Center

W7326 Boyer Road

Christmas Eve Service, 6 p.m.

• Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (ELCA)

1185 S 4th Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m.

Candlelight and Carols

• Faith Apostolic Church

863 S. 9th Ave.

Dec 22: Deck the Halls and Trim the Tree Christmas Program, 10 a.m.

• First Congregational United Church of Christ

279 1st Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 4 p.m.

• Peace Lutheran Church (Missouri)

600 2nd Ave N

Christmas Eve Services

2 p.m.

Christmas Day Service, 9 a.m.

Both services with Holy Communion

• St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

276 S 5th Ave.

Christmas Eve Children's Mass, 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass, 9:30 a.m.

PHILLIPS

• Anchor of Truth Church

114 N Avon Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 6 p.m.

• Cornerstone Community Church

Hanson HVAC Building

508 N. Lake Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 4:30 p.m.

• First Baptist Church

426 Flambeau Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 4 p.m.

• Maranatha Baptist Church

N9310 Old 13 Road

Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m.

Music and Scripture

• Saint John Lutheran Church (NALC)

120 Forest Ave.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 4 p.m.

• St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church

655 S. Lake Ave.

Christmas Eve Mass, 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass, 8 a.m.

• Trinity Lutheran Church-LCMS

103 Trinity Drive

Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m.

• Victory Christian Center

W6880 Liberty Lane

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6 p.m.

Refreshments and fellowship after worship.

PRENTICE

• New Beginnings Lutheran Church (LCMC)

1223 Railroad Ave.

Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m.

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church LCMS

W4594 U.S. 8

Christmas Day Service, 10 a.m.

• St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

935 Town St.

Christmas Day Mass, 9:30 a.m.

WESTBORO

• Northwoods STaR Ministries

First Lutheran Church

N8909 Business Highway 13

Christmas Day Service, 10 a.m.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Fr. Shaji Joseph Pazhukkathara

Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Who is at the door?

Merry Christmas! In the commercial world, the celebration of Christmas started long before Thanksgiving. However, for the last 25 days, we have been waiting in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Child Jesus. There is joy in waiting; at the same time, anxiousness is also involved. Have you ever noticed any couple who is waiting for the birth of their child. They will be preparing their home for the newborn. They will be filled with joy, and they will be anxiously waiting for the birth of a child.

Jews were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. The day he was born, the city of Bethlehem was crowded, and Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a place to give birth. Only a few people came to adore Jesus. Most of the people might have expected him in a palace, but he was in a manger. Even though the Jews were waiting for him, most of them didn’t recognize him.

Let us take a peek at the world around us, especially the war zones. Many of the people in war zones may be running for their lives. Like Mary, many pregnant mothers may be looking for a place to give birth. All those who are sick or wounded may be looking for a safe place to be treated. The experiences of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph are repeated every day.

We were waiting in preparation for the birth of the child Jesus. When Mary knocks at the door, don’t miss her this Christmas. She is looking for a place to lay her baby, Jesus. Are we ready to open our hearts and minds to the Holy Family?

He was born in our hearts, homes, neighborhoods, cities, country, etc. Let us approach him in adoration. Look at the child Jesus and listen to his whispering. He wants to share his hope, peace, joy, and love with us. He won’t force us to embrace peace and transform the world. It is up to us. Let it begin with us; ask him to transform our lives; then, it will spread around us. Jesus came to establish peace and restore our lives. Let us find him in our family, church, neighborhood, etc. Mary and Joseph knocked at our door to share the baby Jesus with us. Hurry, they are at the door. I wish you a joy-filled Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Blessing on your day!

The Rev. Jason Thomas

Pastor of Victory Christian Center

As we reflect on the beauty and meaning of Christmas, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. This is the season when we celebrate the greatest gift ever given — the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. His arrival in the humblest of circumstances reminds us of God’s boundless love and the hope that shines even in the darkest moments.

At Victory Christian Center, we cherish this time of year as an opportunity to come together as a community to rejoice in the miracle of His birth and to share His light with one another. As we exchange gifts, gather around tables, and hold loved ones close, let us also take time to reflect on the true reason for the season: the gift of God’s love and salvation, freely given to all.

We warmly invite you and your family to join us for our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. It will be an evening of heartfelt worship, carols by candlelight, and a message of hope that celebrates the birth of Christ. Together, we will pause amidst the busyness of the season to honor the Prince of Peace, whose light continues to shine in our hearts and in our world.

From our church family to yours, we pray that your Christmas is filled with joy, peace, and the unmistakable presence of God’s love. May this season renew your faith, strengthen your hope, and inspire you to share His light wherever you go.

Merry Christmas and God bless you,