“We may be missing out on some gatherings, but the opportunity to worship Christ is always present.”

Janet Mabie
Special to Spur Ottawa

When a local teacher recently asked a little boy what he enjoyed about last Christmas, he told her about going to church on Christmas Eve to worship Jesus and walking home, hand in hand, with his family. It was a good night, he said, because he felt closer to God. How will churches capture this same powerful childlike awareness of Emmanuel—God with us—amid pandemic restrictions?

“The mother told me, even though their family hasn’t been to church because of the pandemic, they dare not miss out on our Christmas Eve service this year,” shares Phil Kim, pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, in Manotick. “Even with reduced capacity, we will host two Christmas Eve services and we will stream our services for those who cannot attend.”

Fellowship and interpersonal connection are important during this time, so Knox has organized an online Christmas party and a digital playdate for the children. In keeping with their tradition, Knox has prepared a pageant to present the Christmas story to the congregation.

“We trust God to continue to spread the news of Emmanuel.” Photo courtesy of Knox Presbyterian Church.

“We are preparing pre-recorded songs from our choir and narration from our children, to create a video that will be presented in person and online,” Kim explains. “We may be missing out on some gatherings, but the opportunity to worship Christ is always present.”

Woodroffe United Church

By contrast, Kathryn Peate, pastor of Woodroffe United Church, says their service will be much different from previous years. With no plans to hold in-person services until early 2021, Woodroffe United’s service will be available only by video.

“This will not dampen our spirit of the season,” Peate states. “The message of Christmas doesn’t change. We still celebrate a Saviour’s birth. We still offer hope, peace, joy, and love.”

Despite not being able to “belt out the old Christmas favourites,” Peate is staying positive. “Rather than brooding on what can’t be, people are looking at what they have and seeing it in a new light.”

Seeing Christmas a new way

“COVID restrictions have pointed me back to the mournful elements of the Christmas story,” states Stephen Silverthorne, pastor of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in Kanata. “The scandal of the out-of-wedlock pregnancy, the forced movement for the census, the lack of room at the inn, and the birth in a stable—this contrast between the humble surroundings and the greatness of the One born into them has reminded me that Christmas joy comes in our humble circumstances, as well.”

This year, St. Paul’s distributed resources so families can start Advent traditions at home. The church has planned multiple services Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, both in person and online. They also planned an “online service of hope”.

“This helps us name our losses before God, while reminding us of the hope and comfort which His promises bring.”

Joint service cancelled

Normally, Elgin Street Baptist Church (in Arnprior) joins two other Baptist churches for a joint Christmas Eve service. That, along with their annual congregational potluck, have been cancelled. Instead, Pastor Eric Green says they are distributing poinsettias and Christmas cards to remind everyone that, though they may be out of sight, they are not out of the church’s thoughts and prayers.

“Despite all the regulations and issues, God is in control and continuing to work out His sovereign purposes,” says Green. “We trust God to continue to spread the news of Emmanuel.”

Community outreaches

The Ottawa Chinese Alliance Church (OCAC) opted to pre-record a joint Christmas service. Senior Pastor Howard Ngan will preach in English, with Cantonese interpretation and Mandarin subtitles. Yet, OCAC also planned a community outreach. The church plans to leave a small gift and invitation to their online service at the door of those living nearby.

OCAC also organized a Christmas Big Give. The congregation filled boxes with personal items to distribute at Somerset West Community Centre and St. Luke’s Community Centre.

“Because of COVID, we are more focused on things that are essential,” says Ngan. “We focus on human relationships and the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.”

Woodvale Pentecostal Church has a similar vision. They are zeroing in on the needs they can meet around them.

“We live by the principle, ‘If our church ever closed its door, would we be missed?’” says Pastor Mark Scarr. “Everything we do goes by the filter of the unchurched and the next generation.”

Woodvale plans to provide 100 turkey dinners to homes that need a blessing. They also donated to help local food banks.

“People are hurting and starving for connection and community,” Scarr says. “We believe in global missions, but must not forget the mission field called Ottawa.”

Scarr notes that Christians have been praying for a long time for God to shake our nation and the Church. “He’s allowed COVID and it has forced the Church to re-look at what they value and what is the purpose of the Church. The main thing has always been reaching people for Jesus.”