There were no arrests and no acts of violence Thursday during Christmas Eve services at the two Denton churches that received mailed bomb threats earlier this week.
Thousands of people packed the congregations of Denton Bible Church and nearby Saint Andrews to rejoice in Christmas Eve services.
"It's one of the most important days of the year. It's the birth of a Savior," said Denton Bible Church member Hayden Simpkins.
"It's sad someone is either mentally ill or just has so much hate and anger in their heart [to mail in a threat]. It's just really sad," he added.
Many families admitted they grappled over the last few days whether it was worth the risk of violence to attend Christmas Eve services.
"I really think the chances of anything happening after someone mails in a threat like that are really low," said worshipper Tom Hanes. "They'll know there will be extra police and security measures. But, still, you never know for sure."
Hanes has been attending Christmas Eve services at Denton Bible Church with his now 19-year-old daughter, Ashleigh, since she was a little girl. He heard about the bomb threat earlier this week.
"There were some concerns initially, about whether to go or not go. I'd be lying if I said there weren't," he said. "But then I realized it basically became we could go, or we could stay home. And then we could stay home all the time. Because this could happen anywhere."
Ashleigh Hanes said she wrestled with those same emotions while standing in the church line before the doors opened.
"I'm glad to be here. It's nerve-wracking, but I'm glad to be here," she said. "It's a beautiful service."
Once inside, the mood at Denton Bible Church was upbeat and festive, not fearful.
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In the hour before the 6 p.m. service, carolers sang songs, choirs performed hymns and congregation members shook hands and hugged.
"We want to stand up for our faith and celebrate the birth of our Lord," said Chairman of the Elder Board Dick Craven.
Church elders said in light of the threats, they heard from many worshippers who said they didn't plan on attending Christmas Eve services, but they wanted to show solidarity after they heard the news. Also, many former church members who moved away returned to Denton Thursday just to attend the special service.
"It gives you a lot of responsibility, but it makes us feel good," Craven said.
The church paid for a handful of off-duty Denton police officers to help monitor the entrances and patrol the parking lots. They also brought in a private security company for extra help.
Before the doors were unlocked to the public at 4:30 p.m., Denton police completed a security sweep of the building and met privately with about 100 church staff members and security volunteers.
At Saint Andrews Church, about three miles away, Denton police posted up at all entrances, and officers kept a watchful eye during the church's two evening services.
"I think there definitely should be police involved. I feel safer with them here," said church member Jason Worthley.
A few bathrooms and hallways were kept off-limits Thursday, per police advice, which were minor inconveniences, according to worshippers.
For the faithful, it was a wonderful night to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
"It's more than just getting presents, it's more about Christ coming to us as a person," Ashleigh Hanes said.
Denton police are still investigating the threats. Authorities believe the same person mailed the bomb threat to both churches.
