Christmas is fifteen days away and church services and celebrations have already begun including one at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. 


Music filled the church on Perry Street on Sunday with the return of performers, Byron and Suzy Chertik from Pittsburgh.


Mike Wilson, the Pastor of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church said, "It's such a treat to try to bring them back each year. They've become more and more friends of the congregation and we still look forward every year to welcoming them here."


Byron and his wife, Suzy, said they've been coming to Erie for the past thirteen years and in the past decade, a lot of the people have become like friends and family to them, which is why they keep continuing to come back and share their message.


The husband and wife duo said events and services like Sunday's allow people to step away from the worries of the world and focus on their relationship with God.

"It really diminishes a lot of the pain and suffering that we're going through of especially getting around others of like minded faith", said Suzy Chertik.


After performing Christmas songs, the Chertik's shared their message this Advent and Christmas season. "You hear the term 'the hope of Christmas a lot' and it is true because the true meaning of Christmas is Jesus and he is our hope, our hope for anxiety, worry, fear, our hope for, you know, a chance of forgiveness and ultimately eternal", said Byron Chertik.

Suzy said while people can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a busy time of year, it's important to remember the reason for the season.
"So the hope for for all of us and whether, you know, you're struggling with grief or loneliness, you know, a lot of times, you know, the shiny, brightness of Christmas can really be a stark contrast to our pain. And so the hope of the help of Christ", said Chertik.


Emmanuel Presbyterian Church has worship every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Their Christmas Eve service is set for 7:00 p.m.