SPPC Today

News for Christmas 2024

The celebration of Christmas, as we know it today, has changed significantly over the centuries, and the Presbyterian tradition offers a particularly interesting lens through which to view this evolution. Historically, the approach to Christmas within Presbyterianism has been marked by a degree of caution and a focus on the spiritual rather than the festive.

In the early days of the Reformation, many reformers, including John Calvin and John Knox (the key figures in the development of Presbyterianism), viewed the celebration of Christmas with suspicion. They saw it as a vestige of Roman Catholic practices, lacking clear scriptural basis, and potentially distracting from the core tenets of their faith. In Scotland, particularly under Knox's influence, Christmas observance was actively discouraged, even outlawed for a period in the 17th century. Public worship and other religious activities were focused on the Sabbath, and feasts like Christmas were seen as unnecessary and even potentially idolatrous.

This isn't to say that the significance of Christ's birth was ignored. Rather, the emphasis was placed on its theological importance, reflected in sermons and personal devotion throughout the year, rather than through specific, elaborate celebrations on December 25th. Presbyterians traditionally focused on the spiritual implications of the Incarnation – God becoming human – as a central element of their faith, without necessarily associating it with a particular festive date.

However, as time went on and societal influences shifted, the Presbyterian stance on Christmas gradually softened. By the 19th and 20th centuries, most Presbyterian churches began to acknowledge Christmas with special services, recognizing the value in commemorating the birth of Christ, even if the date itself was not considered divinely ordained.

Today, while some variation exists, most Presbyterian churches celebrate Christmas with services on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. These services typically focus on the biblical narrative of Christ's birth, emphasizing its theological significance through readings, sermons, and hymns. While some festive elements like decorations might be present, the overall atmosphere tends to be more reflective and reverent than in some other Christian traditions.

The Presbyterian approach to Christmas, therefore, reflects a historical tension between acknowledging the importance of Christ's birth and maintaining a focus on scriptural authority and simplicity in worship. It's a story where tradition and theology have interacted to shape a unique perspective on this beloved holiday. It serves as a reminder that the ways in which we celebrate and understand Christmas can vary, while still holding the core message of God's love at their heart.

So it's important to pause and reflect on the true wonder and importance of Christmas – the incredible story at its heart.

Christmas is more than just a holiday; it's a celebration of a miracle. It's a testament to the awe-inspiring truth that God, the creator of the universe, chose to become one of us. A tiny, vulnerable baby, born in a humble stable, destined to change the course of history. This is the wonder that lies at the core of our celebrations: God with us, Emmanuel.

This act of profound love and humility offers a powerful message of hope. It tells us that we are not alone in our struggles, that we are seen and loved unconditionally. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, light can break through. The birth of Jesus signifies the dawn of a new era, one filled with the promise of redemption and reconciliation.

The importance of Christmas lies not only in the historical event but in its enduring impact on our lives. It calls us to embrace those virtues of love, compassion, and generosity – not just during this season, but all year round. It encourages us to go to those in need, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to live our lives with the Father’s purpose and meaning.

This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones and enjoy the celebrations, take a moment to remember the true wonder of this special time. Let the story of that first Christmas inspire you to live a life filled with love, hope, and joy. May the real spirit of Christmas fill your heart and illuminate your path, reminding you that you too are part of something truly extraordinary. Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 22

Come join this fourth Sunday of Advent at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church.Worship will begin, as usual at 10:00 a.m.! You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 113

• Luke 1:26-56 - Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary; the Magnificat 

This week we also look forward to our choir singing the anthem, Glory, Glory, Creation Sings by Kevin Klozbach.

Christmas Eve

We celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. with a wonderful Candlelight Service of Readings and Carols. Come join us for this time of worship and take the opportunity to invite family, friends, neighbours or even perfect strangers to join us. The Fellowship Committee is generously preparing refreshments for after the service so that everyone can meet and wish one another a Merry Christmas. If you are unable to come in person, you can still join the celebration via the live stream. The link for the Christmas Eve service is here.

If you would like to participate in the service, reading the scripture, we still need a couple of readers. You can sign up in the appropriate sheet in the entrance way.

Christmas Day

Our celebration continues on Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25. Please note, that our Christmas Day service begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a brief fellowship time in the Narthex. Once again it is also available via the live stream link here. Also if you would like to light the Christ Candle on our Advent wreath, please sign up.

Upcoming

• There will be no Wednesday Study on Christmas Day! The Wednesday Study of the Gospels will resume on January 29, 2025

• Our final worship service of this year will take place, as usual, at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 29.

• Please note our changed office hours over the Christmas period: the office will be open on Monday, December 23 and Friday, December 27. The following week the office will be open on Monday, December 30, and Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3. There will be no scheduled pastoral Office hours next week; however, as always, feel free to call if you need the minister.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting has been set for February 23, 2025. Committee reports are therefore due by Sunday, January 26 so they me be published and circulated in good time. Those submitting reports are encouraged to get them to Patricia, our secretary, early. 

Merry Christmas to you all!

SUNDAY MORNING

Welcome to Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. 

Our worship takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning both in-person and online (via the SPPC YouTube Livestream button above). We invite you to join us each week as we continue to explore and follow the Word of God. Following the service, there will be a fellowship time at the back of the sanctuary.

For the safety of your neighbours, when you attend worship: 

• Please, perform a health check prior to attending.

• While masks are not required, feel free to wear one if you prefer.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.