Next to Judas, the poor innkeeper at Bethlehem has been one of the most vilified people in the Christian narrative over two millennia. But no innkeeper actually appears in the Bible; the innkeeper’s existence is only inferred. It’s not even clear that there was an inn, even though older translations of Luke say, “there was no room for them in the inn.” At a time of year that calls for hospitality to both friend and stranger, what lessons can we draw from this curious legend?
Please join family and friends for our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service. Note that the service starts at 4 p.m. this year.
Service Coordinators: Cate Ziegler, Steve Lennon
Order of Service
Centering Thought
“We covenant to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, with respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.
— Unitarian Universalist Association 6th and 7th principles
Prelude
One Candle Lights the Way, by Albrecht and Althouse
UU Winnipeg choir, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Opening Words
Old Christmas Smiled, by Mary Ann Evans (aka George Eliot)
Rev Stefan Jonasson
Chalice Lighting
Burning Candles, by Paul N. Carnes
Cate Ziegler
Gathering Hymn
#240 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Welcome
Cate Ziegler
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Story Wisdom
Reindeer on the Run
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Sing and Rejoice
children remain in the sanctuary
Meanings of Christmas
Rev Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn and Stone Dropping
#388 Dona Nobis Pacem (sung seated)
Reading
Take Christmas, by Christopher G. Raible
Rev Stefan Jonasson
Hymn
#257 Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Meditation
Cate Ziegler
Anthem
Christmas Peace Canon, arr. by J. A. Shafferman
UU Winnipeg Choir, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Homily
A Good Word for Innkeepers, by Rev Stefan Jonasson
Closing Hymn
#251 Silent Night
Announcements
Cate Ziegler
Please submit congregational announcements to worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9:00 am each Sunday morning.
Closing Words
The Work of Christmas, by Howard Thurman
Rev Stefan Jonasson
Chalice Extinguishing
Carry the Flame
Following the service, please join us for community and refreshments in the sanctuary. For Zoom participants, please consider staying for conversation in our breakout room.
Transition (Zoom only)
Arthur Burstow (Zoom only)
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who helped make this service happen:
- Leader: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Coordinators: Cate Ziegler, Steve Lennon
- Music: Daniel Clark (piano), the UU Winnipeg choir
- Music for Affirmation: Composed by P.J. Buchan
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana Castañeda Aguilera
- Childcare: Paulina Hernandez
- Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Ashlyn Noble, Christina Swindells-Nader
- Ushers: Kristin Jimmy, Bromley Basford, Joan Carolyn, Ken Nicholson, Norman Mayer, Cheryl Simmonds, Janet Toews, Maxine Hebert Malo, et al
- Set Up/Maintenance: Michael Thiessen
- Greeter: Paula Keirstead, et al
- Hospitality: Marian Siemens, et al
- Chalice Sculptor: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- All-Church Email Bulletin: Lorie Battershill
- Church Communicator and Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Website and office support: Larry Phillips
To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team), please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca
Want to help on Sunday mornings? Sign up for a hospitality setup or cleanup shift, or sign up as an usher. Please contact the Volunteer Resources Committee or Norm Cobb or Jim Gardiner for other ways to help.
Please keep aisles clear, particularly for people with mobility challenges and turn off electronic devices during the service.
Some in our beloved community are affected by exposure to the ingredients or chemicals in scented products. We ask that you join our efforts to accommodate their health concerns by being mindful and where possible avoiding scented products such as hair spray, perfume and deodorant when attending services.
Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved. Thank you!
Topics: Christianity, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Hospitality, Inclusivity