12/12/2025
Every year, on Christmas Eve, we celebrate the story of two unlikely figures who bring forth a baby into an uncertain and unstable world with the dream that the baby might transform it.
Here's what it will look like this year. We gather as a group of people from all over the the place. Some people haven't been part of our church community all year. For some, it's part of a tradition. Some people get relucantly dragged out by their family. Some come in their Sunday best while others comes in their Christmas jammies. And honestly, we try to welcome everyone, no matter the reason you are there.
What does the service look like? Well, we sing. You'll probably recognize most of the pieces as a lot of them are old carols but sometimes we sneak a newer piece. We ask questions, too. We ask them of the story, and of ourselves, and of the journey we have been on. And, we will also try and take a few moments to breathe deeply and pause in the craziness of the season.
Then - we tell the story. To do this, we use imaginative play, figurines (like the impala pictured), stickers, sand, dirt, straw and whatever else we can dream up. Then, all the kids who want to help, can. Every single kid that shows up is invited to help and make the story with us. It's always a little crazy and chaotic, but also really beautiful and peaceful at the same time. When we say kid-friendly, we really do try and embody it. The kids will spend about 75% of the service up front helping out, and the rest with their parents/guardians/family.
We'll also light some candles, and at the end, have hot cider and cookies if you can stay long enough to say hi and greet your neighbours. If you are nervous about coming, that's fair, we get it, as going to an unfamiliar church can be nerve-wracking but we'll do our best to extend a really warm welcome.
