Christmas for the people of St. Andrew’s began on the Saturday preceding the first Sunday of Advent, when the decorating committee took over the sanctuary to put up the mitten tree, arrange the pots of poinsettias, hang the Advent wreathes, install the creche … make our sanctuary bright and cozy while we waited for the arrival of the baby Jesus.

Meanwhile, the organizers of Sunday morning coffee brought in Christmas ornaments to decorate the tables in the church hall for coffee hour, and the mitten tree collected an impressive number of not only mittens, but toques, scarves, and throws. Archdeacon Nancy blessed these items, and they were sent to the local foodbank in time for Christmas hampers.

During the month of December, volunteers worked hard to bring the last wonderful community supper, free for all residents, in our church hall. As well, St. A. hosted a roast beef dinner for the entire community. Both dinners were packed with happy diners, enjoying a meal and a social time with friends and family.

With the church prepped for the arrival of the Christ child, we held our breath, waiting for the traditional snow. And snow we did have, in time for the Christmas Eve service, a joyous gathering of celebration with carols and candles. On Christmas morning, members of St Phillip’s, our sister church, joined us for an early, but happy, service.

Blessings abounded this Christmas season. In a time marked by world turmoil and the suffering and grief of many individual families, we were able to see the light that Jesus brings into our lives. In the message of John, the darkness will not prevail. May the light of Christ overcome the darkness in 2025.