St John's Christmas Letter From Patrick

St John’s Christmas Letter 2018                

As we move through Advent and anticipate the peace, hope and joy of Christmas let us be thankful for the accomplishments and successes of this past year. From the wonderful result of the Long, Long Night of Hope to the painting of the lower lounge to the ongoing valuable work of our many outreach programs such as our Caring Ministry and numerous community events such as the Hot Senior’s Lunch and Café Church, we have been busy doing God’s love. I would like to sincerely thank the many volunteers who make all this possible year after year. Advent is typically a personally rushed time of year for many, but I do hope that you can find some time of peace to reflect on this past year and look forward to the birth of Christ.            

I love all the different kinds of traditions people have this time of year that for them makes Christmas more meaningful. One of mine is to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. This animated classic from 1965 never fails to put me into a fantastic Christmas spirit. At Charlie’s lowest point when the little tree of his falls over and the concert he is trying to organize falls apart, his friend Linus comes on stage and tells Charlie the true meaning and reason for Christmas. Linus uses the King James Version of Luke’s nativity story. As Linus tells the Gospel story from memory there is no music in the background and the stage is bare. It nicely reflects the simple yet powerful entrance of Jesus into our world. When he is finished, Linus says to his friend, “That’s the true meaning of Christmas Charlie Brown”. Linus is right of course; the true meaning of Christmas is God entering our world in the form of Baby Jesus.            

My wish for you and your family and loved ones this Advent and Christmas season is that the peace, joy, hope and love of the Christ child be with you and guide you and inspire you. As you share wonderful moments with family and friends in this blessed time of year, please also put aside the time pray for those less fortunate than ourselves and those in hardship. The Christ child came for all of us and let us rejoice and sing and be not afraid to say aloud the dreams that we dream, because it was a miracle and it still is. Hark the Herald Angels Sing….

The Reverend Patrick Blaney

Advent And Christmas Services And Events

Christmas Hot Senior’s Lunch A Merry Christmas Lunch Friday, December 14 12:00pm - 1:00pm (please phone in reservations, thanks)

Saint John’s Christmas Concert Saturday, December 15 3:00pm - 5:00pm  

Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 19 7:00PM At St Andrews United  

Lessons And Carols Service Sunday, December 23 10:00am - 11:30am  

Christmas Eve Children’s & Family Service Monday, December 24 5:00pm - 6:00pm  

Christmas Eve Candle Light Mass Monday, December 24 8:00pm - 9:30pm  

Christmas Day Service, Tuesday, December 25, at St Martin's Anglican Church at 10:30am at 195 East Windsor Rd, North Vancouver