Christmas is NOT Cancelled

There's an idiom which dates to the 1900's that goes like this: "All dressed up and no place to go." I'm sure it's been used literally by someone who dutifully got ready for a date who didn't show or for an event that wound up cancelled. But most of the time it's used figuratively, to describe the feeling of being fully prepared for something that ultimately fails to happen. 

As Christmas approaches that old idiom describes my feelings. I literally have nowhere to go! And figuratively, we prepared for something that's not going to happen, at least in the way we expected. Weeks ago the flights were booked, the house decorated, the freezer filled, and gifts wrapped. But the Christmas we planned for isn't happening. Instead of enjoying the company of our kids and other friends and family, this Christmas is likely to be remembered as the Zoom Christmas, where the gathering and celebrating was governed by screens. (With that in mind, I'd encourage you to unplug a little next week...get outside even if it's cold to breath the air and look at the stars. Spring is coming.)

No matter what your sense of loss may be this year, I'd urge you to reject the 'Christmas is cancelled' sentiment and prioritize Christmas Eve Services online. Despite not being able to gather in our usual way, our artists and worship leaders have crafted an experience I believe will be a lifeline for many. Through music, art, and Word, we'll remember the very heart of the Christmas story and find some joy - joy rooted in all of us finding our place in a much bigger story. In this season of longing...waiting...and yearning - a Saviour is the best thing we can rally around.

If you're able to take part with a close friend or those you live with, all the better! Please help us spread the word about Christmas Eve online, it's an easy invite for anyone who might need a boost right now. A digital invitation has been created that you can use to invite others join you and the rest of us - go to the Story of Christmas, scroll to the bottom and click 'share.' You never know what kind of impact that simple step of sharing might make!

I look forward to celebrating Christmas with you!

Greg Hochhalter, Lead Pastor

Experience the story of Christmas with Sherwood Park Alliance Church. Get caught up in the glory and wonder of Christmas with great music, art, and word. This is a chance to remember what's at the very heart of the Christmas story this time of year. It is a time to be moved and to be reminded of truth. The longing, waiting, and yearning for a Saviour is one of the best things we can seek together.

Christmas service is for the whole family and are always a special time for kids to experience the Christmas story. We look forward to celebrating with you this Christmas.

Christmas Eve Services are broadcast on December 24 at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm on the website, on Facebook, YouTube and AppleTV.

William Chatterton Dix's carol, "Greensleeves" is the carol Pastor Rita will delve into this weekend. "What Child is This?" invokes the image of a traditional nativity scene--Jesus in a manger or on Mary's lap, surrounded by angels, shepherds and animals. The second verse speaks of the presents brought by the magi and the gift of salvation Jesus brings. Dix wrote the lyrics when serving as the manager for the Maritime Insurance Company in Glasgow, Scotland - and his words have impacted the world for more than a century. Join online this weekend for a thoughtful analysis of the classic carol.

If you missed Pastor Jeremy's message last week when he taught on the carol, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing!" access is always available On-demand for your convenience.

If you've never engaged with Solemn Assembly before this is the year for you! Prayer is mysterious and it can be hard but it's also one of the greatest gifts of our life with God. Whether prayer is new or you want to go deeper this year's Solemn Assembly (Jan 4-8) is for YOU!

We're going to unite for 5 days with 3 different prayer challenges...a 5 minute Challenge (an option for individuals or families), a 15 minute challenge, or a 1 hour prayer challenge. Register for one of the challenges to receive your daily prayer guide. More details...