Hundreds of people have gathered to celebrate Christmas at church services across the city.
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Warrnambool Presbyterian Church reverend Ben Johnson said a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service held at the Manifold Street church looked back at the year that was.
“We did a bit of a ‘year in review’ and compared all the stories that have been hitting the headlines with the Christmas story of self-giving, love and rescue,” he said.
“In an increasingly secular age it was a wonderful opportunity to remember the Christian heritage of western society.
“We treasure this as a time to remind ourselves of the benefit of living in a society shaped by Christian values.”
The Christ Church Anglican parish held four services across the two days.
Father Scott Lowrey said grand-parents, parents and children gathered together to celebrate and give thanks to Jesus.
“We pray for peace in a troubled world - in places like southern Sedan, west Papua and the holy lands,” he said.
“The Christ child endeavors to bring peace to refugees and asylum seekers, and to difficult domestic situations where people are vulnerable to abuse.
“The Christmas message is also about creating peace in the hearts and minds of children who just want to be loved. The Christ child Jesus is loved by us as we celebrate his birthday.”
St Joseph's Church held three masses on Christmas Eve and one at 9.30am Christmas morning.
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