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Christmas Greetings from Chaplain Tuomas,
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Many have been forced to celebrate this Christmas in new, perhaps in unknown ways. We are not necessarily able to celebrate Christmas with those with whom we have normally spent the holidays. This new situation might feel even a bit frightening. The last-minute changes and travel restrictions have made the uncertainty even greater. We have not been able to gather together for Nine Lessons and Carols in the Helsinki Cathedral nor are we able to gather together in Mikael Agricola Church for the Eucharist on Christmas Day.
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All this gives us an opportunity to reflect what Christmas means to us. What are the fundamental principles which make Christmas so important to us? Two years ago, my Christmas was broken permanently. Witnessing how a single act of violence can take a young life away, and how consequences of that tragic incident spread around like waves in water, have made me to see Christmas in new way. I have come to understand that the message of Christmas is something which ought to be equally meaningful and powerful to all, not depending on their personal situation.
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From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface:
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Lyrics of this familiar Christmas Carol, God rest you merry, Gentlemen, have become increasingly meaning full to me. ‘God keep you joyous’ is an invitation to examine more profound meanings of Christmas: that Christ’s coming into the world is a sign of God’s love but also an indication of the value of every human being. God’s love in Christ has come – and will come – to us even if we cannot celebrate this Christmas as we would normally do. Christ comes to us even if we must be alone at this Christmas.
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I wish to thank all those who have made us to come through this difficult year. We have been blessed by having a commited Council, active Sunday School teachers and, active members of the congregation who have made sure the services have been safe for all to attend. I wish to thank all those who made possible to have an online bazaar and other activities during the year.
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As we prepare for this Christmas and the new year, let our prayers be with those who are affected by this pandemic and with those who are working to bring relief. Let us pray that God will bless us in the year to come. And lastly, let us pray that all may come to know the love of God in Christ.
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Let this be a season of ‘good tidings of comfort and joy’ to all of you!
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Greetings from the Sunday school and Youth Group!
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Nine children from Sunday school and Youth Group prepared Christmas drawings to the congregation. We send them to the elderly members of our congregations. Thank you so much!
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Nine Lessons and Carols - Online at 25th December, 10 AM
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On Christmas Day at 10.00, we welcome you all to join us virtually for a service of Nine Lessons and Carols.We will stream this beautiful service to our public Facebook page.
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A service that has become a much beloved tradition in the Anglican Church, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols features readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels each of which is followed by an appropriate musical response or reflection in the form of a carol, hymn, or anthem sung by the choir and often (in normal circumstances) by the congregation.
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This year, due to the exceptional circumstances brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, the service will be modified in terms of repertoire to accommodate a smaller choral ensemble and soloists.
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Although fewer in numbers and in more intimate surroundings, we hope to share the light and spirit of the Christmas season more widely, powerfully, and earnestly at the conclusion of an unexpectedly dark and challenging year.
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A virtual Get-Together on Boxing Day
Dear friends and members of the Congregation, you are warmly welcomed to a virtual mulled wine and mince pies get-together on Boxing Day, 26th December, between 6.30 and 7.30 pm. We can compare bad Christmas cracker jokes, 'glögi', mulled wine and other recipes!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Best wishes, Henry Rawstorne
Detailed information:
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Topic: Virtual Mulled Wine
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Time: Dec 26, 2020 06:30 PM Helsinki
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Join Zoom Meeting (please click the link below)
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Meeting ID: 816 7485 5574
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