Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Andrew Hight, Family Ministry Coordinator
The snow has fallen, lights brighten our neighbourhoods, the sanctuary is fully decorated thanks to Jeff Lehman and the Young Adults group, and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" has already been sung. Just like that… Advent is here again.
No matter how far away December seems, those last few weeks of November always creep up and surprise us. Time feels like it doesn’t exist. November was a busy month for me, and three days into December, it’s clear that pace isn’t slowing down.
The Christmas Eve Family Service, which will be held at 4 p.m. on December 24th, has been on my mind ever since I learned we would be without a lead minister this year. I’ll be leading the service, with Ann-Marie on the organ and the choral scholars accompanying, but I’ve been wondering how I could make it extra special.
Many of you may remember the 10-year tradition that began in 1993 with Rev. Bill Lamont. Starting that Christmas Eve, every family attending received a crèche figure as they left the sanctuary. From 1993 to 2004, families had to return each year to complete their set. This tradition would not have been possible without Bert and Joan Sinclair, who were responsible for molding 200 of each figure. My own set, pictured below, still gets put out every year and holds special meaning for me.
So.. I thought to myself, why not revive that tradition?
Since the first week of November, I’ve been busy in my “impromptu pottery studio,” pouring slip into molds to create angels. This years’ service will focus on the angels, and each family will receive an angel crèche figure at the end. However, I won’t be making 200 like the Sinclair’s did—more like 40 to 50.
In the midst of all this, we also had the 16th annual Crieff Hills Youth Retreat from November 15–17. It was a fantastic weekend with cooperative weather, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the kids and parents. The theme for the weekend was “Everything”. We explored statements like: “This food is everything!” “That outfit is everything!”
But here’s the thing: According to Jesus, one thing matters more than anything else—love. We asked, “What would it look like if love were everything in our lives? In the way we treat others, in how we see God, and even in how we view ourselves?”
Suddenly, November was over. Teams were busy in the Kitchen baking apple pies for the Christmas Market or crafting greenery arrangements. The church feels alive this time of year—you can sense the energy and excitement as we prepare for Christmas Eve. As I told Rev. Dr. Herb Gale during a recent phone call, St. Andrew’s looks and feels like a healthy and vibrant church. We are strong and resilient, and for that, I give thanks—not just for my fellow staff members but also for this incredible congregation.
I hope to see you all throughout this Advent season and again on Christmas Eve where a beautiful tradition has been revived for a new generation.
Best wishes this Advent,
Andrew Hight | Family Ministry Coordinator