For many people, churched and unchurched, attending Christmas Eve service is often an annual tradition. Young and old alike gather together to sing Christmas hymns, light candles, and hear the story of the birth of Jesus.

John Wesley's Methodist movement began in England during those 200 years of Christmas suppression. As a result, there is no evidence they celebrated Christmas other than with a special worship service.

The Christmas Covenant celebrates the Connectional Table's U.S. Regional Conference legislation (which Central Conference bishops have affirmed), making it an integral part of the Christmas Covenant legislation, and takes this regionalization effort to the level of the entire UMC Connection.

There are two versions of the Lord's Prayer used in Methodist services: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.