Christmas Eve is a special night for Christians as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

At South Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, the night was even more special for parents of a newborn baby boy.

Matthew Akuamoah Boateng was baptized during the church's Christmas Eve service.

His parents have been in the US for six years, but will soon return to their native country Ghana.

The opportunity to baptize their son in front of the church congregation held special significance for them.

"It's so special because in my country Ghana kids celebrate Christmas and when we think of Christmas we think of the birth of Jesus Christ. And within that period if you have a birth within the church then it's a blessing,” said Matthew’s father, Wilson Akuamoah Boteng.

Wilson is a doctoral student at Syracuse University.

His son, who was born a US citizen, is five weeks old.