By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

HOOVER – The atmosphere at Christ the King Lutheran Church’s annual worship service on Christmas Day is relaxed–so relaxed that for those who attend, pajamas are customary attire.

“We know people like to do the family thing on Christmas morning, and this is a way to do that with their church family,” Senior Pastor Chris DeGreen said. “It is a beautiful traditional service with a very relaxed atmosphere, with the full tone of Christmas. We welcome anyone who wants to come, whether you wear casual clothes, Sunday go-to-meeting clothes, or your pajamas.”

This will mark the church’s 25th year to hold its Christmas morning pajama service, a “traditional Lutheran worship service, congregational sharing of lighthearted, personal Christmas stories, holy communion and a very short sermon by Pastor DeGreen on God’s unconditional love,” according to a press release about the event.

The service will end at about 9:45 a.m. with congregational singing and exiting to the hymn “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

In past years, about 100 church members have attended the service, with 50-60 children and adults sporting pajamas and robes.

DeGreen will deliver his message wearing his clerical pastor’s collar, dress shirt, pajama pants and sock feet.

The Christmas morning pajama service will be held in the church sanctuary, which is in the middle church building (not the entrance visible from U.S. 31).

Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at 611 Riverchase Parkway West in Hoover, just past U.S. 31 South.

Those who attend should enter at the top parking lot.