This Christmas, Facebook comment sections replaced passing the peace, offering was collected via QR code and hymns were sung over video, but the reason for the season remains the same.
The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions have led many houses of worship to adapt how they practice religion. Religious facilities are capped at 50 percent capacity in Maryland by the governor and locally by the Frederick County Health Department.
For some churches, Christmas worship was an entirely virtual, though still spiritual, experience.
The Rev. Yolandra Johnson planned to hold a conference call prayer with the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church congregation on Christmas day.