And just like that the earth has orbited the sun once more and Christmas is here! As a child I enjoyed Christmas morning, but I delighted in Christmas Eve even more. Christmas Eve had a mysterious quality to it which appealed to my active imagination. I loved everything about it - twinkling lights, candles, comfort foods, laughter, friends, family, gifts, and a worship gathering complete with the familiar songs a retelling of the story. I still approach this night like an expectant little boy, and I’m convinced that one of the greatest gifts we can offer our families and friends is a Christmas tradition that, along with decorations, presents, and everything else, is a memorable celebration of the babe born in Bethlehem. Our uniquely talented musicians, vocalists, visual and audio artists have prepared something exceptional. Trust me, I was at last night’s rehearsal! Come eagerly and if possible, in person. There’s a service tonight @ 6, and 3 more tomorrow, @ 2, 4, and 6. More detail can be found on our Christmas landing page along with easy-to-use email and social media invitations. It’s not too late! The service is appropriate for all ages and I’m confident your encouragement will be well received. We’re streaming live on our website, YouTube, or Apple TV, so if you’re away or unwell, please join there. But I really hope to see you in person tonight or tomorrow for ‘Christmas In The Park’. Merry Christmas everyone! Greg Hochhalter | Lead PastorChristmas Eve At Sherwood Park Alliance Church The Christmas moments we cherish the most are the ones we share together! Sherwood Park Alliance is excited to welcome you, your family, and friends to experience the story of Christmas with one another. The awe and wonder of the shepherds as the angels shared the good news of hope and peace in Jesus' birth! Invite your friends and family to celebrate through beautiful worship, art and words.Our Christmas Eve services are for the whole family and are always a special time for kids to experience the Christmas story. Nursery will be open for children age 2 and under at all Christmas Eve services. All older children are invited to join their families in the auditorium. There will be a child-friendly environment, with limited space available, for families with preschool aged children in the north balcony. We look forward to celebrating with you this Christmas! Join us on December 23 at 6 PM, or December 24 at 2, 4, or 6 PM to celebrate Christmas together. There will be family photos, live music and more!This year the offering received at the Christmas Eve Services will be going to For Freedom International. This organization was started “with a dream to see the marginalized, vulnerable, and exploited set free from the injustice of oppression.” Working in Phuket, Thailand, FFI is focused on “growing a public awareness and education campaign in Thai public schools to help provide sexual education, anti-trafficking awareness, [and] after school support programs for children, and families at risk.” Funds collected will go towards a building project to provide boys who have been rescued from human trafficking a safe home. You can make your donations here on December 23 and December 24.Holiday Hours The regular schedule around here will look a little different during the Christmas holidays.On Christmas Day, Sunday December 25, there will be no in person service but there will be an online service only at 10am. On December 26 and 27, the church office will be closed for Boxing Day and a day in lieu of Christmas Day. We will be open and hold regular office hours on December 28, 29 & 30. On New Year's Eve, Saturday December 31st, there will be no service - online or in person. On Sunday January 1, we will have our normal Sunday service at 10 AM online and in person. Year End Giving If you are prayerfully considering giving a year-end financial gift, we thank you so much for your generosity and for partnering with us. All contributions received on or before Dec. 31 will be receipted and may be claimed as charitable contributions for 2022. Our secure giving page contains easily fillable forms enabling you to give via credit. If you prefer to give in person and/or by cheque or debit, you can visit the church office during regular hours. Please note that the church office closes at 4 pm on Friday, December 30. You can also give by texting the word GIVE to 587-905-0205, and if you wish learn about how to donate stocks, securities or even bitcoin, please reach out to Sandra or Dwayne via our church office (780-467-8404) for more information. Thank you.Solemn Assembly A week of prayer for everyone. Beginning the year with a week of prayer is really a primer for the pattern we want to dedicate ourselves to for the whole year.Join us for Solemn Assembly, January 9-13, 2023.