Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship at Church of the Redeemer

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, Redeemer’s afternoon Family Mass (Rite II) begins at 4 p.m., and is preceded by a festive half-hour of traditional Christmas carols, beginning at 3:30 p.m., including favorites such as "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World," sung by the congregation and choirs. The Family Mass includes a "live Nativity" scene with children playing roles as shepherds, lambs, stars and angels, and Baby Jesus will be represented by the parish's newest infant, Liv Ferguson, with her parents Sara and Nick Ferguson acting as Mary and Joseph. The Nativity reenactment is a retelling of the Incarnation narrative from the Gospel of St. Luke. St. Nicholas makes a surprise visit, as well, receiving a special blessing from The Very Rev. Fredrick Robinson, Rector of Redeemer. Babysitting for toddlers and infants is provided.

The early evening service is a Choral Mass (Rite II with incense) which begins at 6:30 p.m. This mass is preceded at 6 p.m. by a half-hour of singing of traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by organ and brass quartet.

Beginning at 9:30 p.m., a joyous musical celebration of organ and brass quartet will welcome the congregation. At 10 p.m., the choir of Redeemer will sing anthems and carols for 30 minutes, heralding the High Solemn Mass (Rite I with incense) which begins at 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25, Redeemer offers Holy Communion at 7:30 a.m., Choral Mass at 10 a.m. and a Mass in Spanish at 1 p.m.

Complimentary parking is available at the BMO Harris Bank Parking Garage on McAnsh Square on Christmas Eve beginning at 3 p.m., and continuing through 1 a.m. Christmas Day morning.

For more information, visit redeemersarasota.org or call 941-955-4263.