CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

Join us for Christmas at St. Matthew's

Christmas eve services in Sterling, VA St. Matthew's

December 24, 2024

3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 11:00 PM

Celebrate the wonder of Christmas at St. Matthew's

Invite your friends and family and join us for any of our Christmas services as we come together to celebrate the birth of Christ through joyful worship, heartfelt teaching, carols, and plenty of festive surprises. All services include holiday music, communion, and a Christmas message from Rev. Rob Merola.

Christmas Eve

3 PM - Children's Christmas Nativity Play and service
5 PM - Classic Christmas Mass with soloists and strings
8 PM - Festival Christmas Service with live band
11 PM - Traditional Midnight Mass with hymns, choir and strings

Christmas Day

10 AM - Classic Christmas Day service with holy communion

Services are available in person and online on Facebook or YouTube.

We look forward to celebrating Christmas with you!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

INVITE A FRIEND

SERVICE DETAILS

3:00 PM - Children's Nativity Play and Communion Service

What better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than through the storytelling of children? This service is a lighthearted telling of the nativity story brought to you by the children and youth of Saint Matthew's. This is a tradition our Sterling community looks forward to every year and is sure to delight all ages. Join us and bring the whole family for this favorite kid-friendly Christmas Eve service that also includes holy communion. A heart warming tradition for all!

5 PM Christmas service Sterling VA_edite

5:00 PM - Classic Christmas Mass with Vocalists & Strings

Join us at St. Matthew's for a heartwarming and traditional Christmas Mass that captures the joy and beauty of the season. This special service will feature joyful carols, an uplifting message, Holy Communion, and stunning musical performances by vocalists Ashly and Keith Townsend, accompanied by a beautiful string trio. Ashly Townsend, soloist and music planner for the service, shares: "When I sat down to plan the music for the 5 PM Christmas Eve Service, I knew I wanted the music selections to be a beautiful reminder of the power of music to connect us to our past, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. It will be a service filled with warmth, love, and the timeless message of hope that Christmas brings. You will hear beloved Christmas hymns as well as original works and arrangements by my dear friend, Raymond Mueller. For those that have been long-standing patrons of St. Matt’s, you will remember Ray as the former music minister 10 years ago. I hope the music of this service allows you space to pause, reflect, and celebrate the genuine beauty of Christmas. I look forward to sharing this with you." Come experience a service that inspires, comforts, and fills your heart with the peace and hope of Christmas.

8:00 PM - Festival Christmas Service with Live Band

Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at 8 pm on Christmas Eve with a vibrant service featuring an uplifting message of hope, and holy communion. Our lively band will uplift your spirits as we worship and rejoice in the coming of the King.

Midnight Mass Christmas even service Sterling, VA

11:00 PM - Traditional Midnight Mass with Choir and Violin

One of the most popular Christmas traditions is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Mass, where the story of Jesus' birth is shared alongside a candle illustration that shows how He brought light into our broken world and that light is able to spread through all of us. Join us for this classic holy communion service with beautiful choir music.

10:00 AM - Christmas Day Service

Join us at 10:00 AM on Christmas Day for a classic holy communion service—a memorable way to honor the true meaning of Christmas.

COUNTDOWN

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join us this Christmas at St. Matthew’s for a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth, filled with uplifting music and a meaningful message for everyone.

When you arrive, our friendly ushers will welcome you, answer any questions, and help you settle in. Experience the spirit of Christmas through inspiring music, a heartfelt message, and the warmth of community as we celebrate the birth of Christ together.

Let us know your coming! We'd love to meet you, get your family settled and make sure your first visit is a great one.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I wear?

You won't be out of place whether you're in your festive Christmas attire or wearing jeans. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! All are welcome!

How long are the services?

Our Christmas services each run about 60 minutes, with the 3 PM Children's Christmas Nativity Play and service being slightly shorter.

Is there anything for children?

Yes! Our 3 PM Christmas Nativity Play and Communion service is perfect for all ages, and especially children! Plus, at all of our services, children will receive a Christmas goodie bag and activity booklet to keep them busy during the services. Although we do not offer nursery care during our Christmas services, the nursery is open for parents and little ones should you need a quiet moment or two.

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before service start time for our Christmas services to allow time for parking and our welcome team to assist you in finding a seat.

Directions & Parking

Address

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

201 E. Frederick Dr.

Sterling, VA 20164

Directions

Parking

Parking is available at the back and side of St. Matthew's, with overflow parking at the Eastern Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office across the street or Rolling Ridge Elementary, a short walk away.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visiting a new place can feel overwhelming, especially on Christmas Eve.

Let us help make your first visit to St. Matthew’s as easy as possible!

We’ll provide you with a suggested arrival time, guide you to where you need to go, and help you and your family find great seats.

If you have children, we have a special Christmas gift bag for them to ensure a smooth , welcoming experience and welcome you to our St. Matthew's family.

Just fill in the form below, and we’ll handle the rest!

INVITE A FRIEND

Invite your friends and family to join you for one of the Christmas experiences at St. Matthew's.

Christmas is always better when it's celebrated together! Share the good news and invite a friend or neighbor to join you at church this Christmas.

1. Send a text:

"Hey, what are you doing on Christmas Eve this year? I’d love for you to join me at St. Matthew’s, there are 4 different services and I’m planning on going to the (insert service time here).

Check it out: stmtts.org/christmas"

2. Pick up an invitation card:

Grab a Christmas Eve services card from us here at the church to drop off to a friends house.

3. Share on social media:

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and share any of our Christmas invitation posts, or download one of the graphics below and create your own!