Rexboro Lessons and Carols Service Joyous Proclamation of Jesus' Birth

Bundled in warm, winter clothing, people travelled from Edmonton and Parkland County to a beautifully appointed country church to  proclaim together through the words of the prophets, the coming of Emmanuel, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Bill Sommer, rector’s warden for St. Aidan and St. Hilda, Rexboro, welcomed the congregation to the parish’s annual service of nine lessons and carols on Sunday, December 4. The service, on hiatus during the COVID pandemic, has traditionally been a foodraiser for the Wabamun and District Food Bank.

Standing before an altar adorned with poinsettia plants and framed by artists’ depictions of Jesus, Bishop London spoke of “the joy of the good news of the birth of our Lord.”

But “Christmas joy is not about having everything right in your life before you can experience it,” he explained. “Happiness is not the point of Christmas. In fact, we know it’s true, many people who are suffering from grief find the Christmas season almost unbearable… This is the reason that Christ came. It’s knowing when we’re near or at the bottom, when we cannot see a way out, that my friends, is where we find God the most. I would say God loves the bottom of the barrel.”

“Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a poor family in a backwater country. He was born in a barn and laid in a food trough. And Jesus Christ brought peace, not by the sword, but by the mercy, love and goodness of our God. To get Jesus’ attention, you didn’t need to be wealthy or powerful, you just needed a broken heart. You just needed to say, ‘I need you Lord.’ Jesus was born in a manger to show us that in God’s eyes, no one is unworthy. We are all beloved by God.

“No matter where you find yourselves this Christmas season, whether it’s good or hard, God will meet you,” Bishop London said.

Following the service which featured hymns and carols played on the organ by treasurer Fred Bryant, 89, all were invited to enjoy food and fellowship at the Wabamun Seniors’ Centre.