Christmas Celebrations

St John's celebrates the Season of Christmas with a variety of worship services.

2022 Christmas Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 18th - 10:00 a.m. - A Festival of Lessons and Carols for Christmas

In the tradition of the English collegiate choirs, this special service pairs nine readings that tell of the birth of the Messiah with musical responses ranging from mediaeval carols to congregational hymns to contemporary pop music and instrumental pieces.  Always a congregational favourite, join us as we hear the story of the Messiah in word and song.


Sunday, December 18th - 4:00 p.m. - Blue Christmas:  A Service of Healing and Hope

Not everyone feels like singing "Joy to the World" or "Deck the Halls" at Christmastime.  For those who feel loneliness, despair, grief, or sorrow during the holidays, this service of worship acknowledges the pain many carry.  Join us as we set aside the noise of Christmas for a time of hearing afresh the hope of the good news of the birth of Jesus and offer our pain to God.


Saturday, December 24th - 4:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Family Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

The family celebration is early enough that kids and seniors who don't want to be out past suppertime can come to worship on the night that Jesus was born.  Featuring everyone's favourite Christmas carols and a children's pageant that re-enacts the Christmas story, this popular service is a great way to usher in the Christmas season in your family.  Holy Eucharist/Communion is celebrated.


Saturday, December 24th - 10:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

The traditional candlelight celebration begins and ends in the darkened church, with only candles to illuminate our worship.  This choral service features favourite Christmas carols, including Silent Night by candlelight.  Holy Eucharist/Communion is celebrated.


Sunday, December 25th - 10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day Traditional Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

The traditional Christmas morning celebration is a little quieter than those of Christmas Eve.  In the stillness of a December morning, we gather to hear the story of Jesus' birth and sing Christmas carols.  Holy Eucharist/Communion is celebrated.


Sunday, January 1st - 10:00 a.m. - The Epiphany of the Lord

The Twelfth Day of Christmas, Epiphany (technically January 6th, but we celebrate it on the Sunday before) is when we remember the Magi (wise ones) from the East who followed the star to Bethlehem so that they might offer their gifts and worship to Jesus.  Although Christmas music is long gone from the stores, this is the last service of the Christmas season, so Christmas carols and hymns will be sung for the last time this year.  Holy Eucharist/Communion is celebrated.