Christmas Services

This reflective service is designed around the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”  with readings, prayers and song.  This hymn is rooted in 3 distinct periods—in the Old Testament looking forward to Christ’s first coming, in the New Testament rejoicing in the first coming of Christ, and in the present  with the expectancy of waiting for Christ’s second coming .
It is a chance to be still, taking time out of the busy-ness of this time of year to think about God’s great gift to all of us.
A joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope.   The celebration is named after the Christingles that are lit during the service—oranges wrapped in red ribbon, decorated with dried fruit or sweets, with a candle on the top.
Join us as we sing loved Christmas carols, hear the story of Christmas and find out more about what the Christingles represent.
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Although entitled “Midnight” Mass, the service starts at 11pm so that communion is being administered as close to midnight as possible.  The service is a joyous occasion to spiritually mark the beginning of Christmas in many Christian churches worldwide, and includes scripture readings and Holy Communion along with singing of much loved Christmas carols, which start before the official start time of 11pm, and at points during the service
​Why do we give presents and have a nice meal at Christmas?  Because it is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus - God coming to earth as a human.  Sometimes we are full of happiness - Jesus knew how to rejoice and feast.  Sometimes we are battered by life and sorrowful - Jesus knew rejection, even hatred.  The amazing fact is that God chose to live a simple human life as a local carpenter, not a rich prince in a palace.  
Because Christmas celebrates Jesus, it is a good thing to come to church to celebrate before we feast and give presents so we can remember the One who is "the reason for the season."