SILVERHILL, Ala. — It is a Christmas celebration unlike any other. Once you experience it, you will want to make it an annual holiday tradition. Julotta, a Swedish tradition celebrated by the Silverhill Covenant Church, is the perfect addition to everyone’s Christmas traditions.

For more than 100 years, community members of Swedish descent and those of other heritages alike have risen early each Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The tradition began in the earliest days of Christianity. After the Christmas Eve Supper, the people living farthest from the church would begin their journey. Along the way, they would be joined by friends and neighbors as they made their way to the church on Christmas day. Today, the Covenant Church in Silverhill is one of the few remaining churches to keep this tradition alive.

The Silverhill Covenant Church has been an integral part of the Silverhill community for more than 100 years. It began with a small group of Swedish immigrants who settled the area. On Nov. 20, 1902 a group of 10 people met together for a worship service and the Silverhill Covenant Church was born.

Since then, descendants of those who first started the church gather with newer members who have discovered the community in more recent years. Each Christmas morning they rise early and make their way to the church in this century-old tradition. The methods of transportation have changed, but the meaning and intent remain the same. The service is simple, yet profound. It centers on the reading of the Christmas story. A Christmas message is given and then everyone joins in to sing Christmas carols by candlelight. After the service, friends and neighbors gather for breakfast provided by members of the church.

Everyone is invited to experience this unique tradition. The service will begin at 5:30 Christmas morning at the Silverhill Covenant Church, located on Highway 104 in Silverhill. Jesse B. Adams is the pastor. For more information, call (251) 945-5143.