Families attend Christmas Eve prayer services in Lower Manhattan

LOWER MANHATTAN -- Hundreds of families participated in prayer services at Trinity Church Wednesday evening, among many throughout the Tri-State area who were reflecting and rejoicing on Christmas Eve.

The birth of Christ is a timeless story that's been shared and celebrated in many ways.

And, mixing a bit of tradition with a lot of cuteness, dozens of families attended a special Christmas Eve children's service at St. Paul's Chapel.

The joy and miracle of Christmas told through the voices of children made the service in Lower Manhattan a truly special one.

With the help of costumes, props, and of course music the meaning of Christmas was shared in a way children of all ages could understand.

The story was shared in a very special way this year through the voices of children of all ages.

"It was a lot of fun in both learning the lines hearing the music and actually seeing the play come together," said Taylor Elliott who played the angel Gabriel.

Eleven year old Alex Grant, who played Joseph in this year's play, believes the format helps kids better understand what Christmas is all about.

"Honestly when I was a little kid I didn't understand Christmas. I just thought it was Santa Claus. Once I went to a play here I was like oh now I get it," said Alex.

And for parents like Cecilia Grant, gathering among other believers on the eve of the holy holiday is an important family tradition.

"For is right now we're just really enjoying being with other families in a spiritual place," she said.

"I just think they did an amazing job, they don't get a lot of practice. It's a great way for them to experience the nativity and just sort of the meaning of Christmas," said parent Megan Elliott.

Later, Cardinal Timothy Dolan was set to usher in Christmas by holding the traditional Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan.