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Welcome to Christmas Eve worship! We are three United Churches in the Lower Mainland of BC who have been worshiping online together during the pandemic. We welcome you to this service whether you are part of one of the congregations or if you were just looking online for a Christmas Eve service. Welcome!

“Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace…” "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news…” (Luke 2: 13-14 and Isaiah 52: 7) Luke’s account is the narrative we return to again and again on this holy night, for this author gives us the most beloved detail. We yearn to see the scene play out, to hear the music of the angels, to feel the rush to the manger to see what this star that pierces the night sky has come to proclaim. We so desire to believe the Good News of the messengers that is the culmination of humanity’s pain of birth: “don’t be afraid” for unto us a sign has come that will be to all people… “on earth, peace.”

Throughout the season of Advent, we have been recognizing that the world we live in now is similar to the world into which Jesus was born and through which his teachings would challenge and call for transformation. We have been grounded each week by the opening words of an anonymous Jewish poet, “I believe in the sun, even when the sun is not shining,” calling us to transformation and reconciliation through hope, love, joy, and peace.