And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2:11 

Old Christmas at Clay Hill is celebrated on Jan. 6 each year at historic Clay Hill Church in rural Pike County.

t was on this night more than 2,000 years that the Wise Men went to Bethlehem to look upon the Christ Child.

Old Christmas at Clay Hill is a non-denominational lamplight service of scriptures and songs. Acoustic instruments set the tone for the service that includes traditional hymns, carols and spirituals such as “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” and the arrival of the Wise Men to worship the Baby Jesus.

The church is decorated with the seasonal offerings of Mother Nature.

By design, there is no electricity or heat in the 100-year-old church in order to create an atmosphere of an old-time Christmas worship service.

Following the Old Christmas service, homemade teacakes and hot apple cider may be enjoyed along with the fellowship of friends and neighbors.  Everyone is invited to participate in this non-denominational service of scriptures and songs that brings the Christmas season to a peaceful and meaningful close.

The service is at 6 p.m. today at Clay Hill Church on County Road 4408 just off Highway 93 between Brundidge and Banks.