By The Reverend Canon George Kwari
As we journey through the season of Advent, we often reflect on key themes such as waiting, hope, peace, joy, love, faith, trust, prophets, repentance and preparedness.
Jesus said, “Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” (Matthew 24: 42-44)
In our preparation, we are invited to put on the armour of light and cast away the works of darkness, as expressed in the collect of Advent and in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 13: 13. We are called to "cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling or drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, and not in quarreling and jealousy."
This powerful imagery challenges us to reflect on what we need to c-a-s-t a-w-a-y from our lives. Are there distractions, grievances, or habits that hinder the divine light from entering and being born in our hearts? The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, along with our selective hearing, often create barriers that prevent us from fully embracing this majestic birth.
Advent is not merely a time to count down the days until Christmas; it is a call to vigilance, urging us to remain awake as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. We cannot afford to let the busyness of life drown out the call to prepare for our Savior.
As we continue our journey through this Advent season, let us take the time to reflect on what it truly means to keep awake or keep watch and prepare the way of the Lord.
During this season of Advent, we are looking forward to several upcoming events, including the Christmas celebrations, the installation of the new sound system, the Advent carols and processions, the Advent Nativity, the Christmas Eve service, and the lighting of the Advent candles on the wreath by parishioners.
New Sound System Installation
The Parish Council has approved the installation of a new sound system, which is estimated to cost $49,511.83 not including any unexpected expenses. This project will be funded by the Consolidated Trust Fund and special Christmas donations.
In the Christmas cards you will receive, there will be a special appeal envelope for the sound system.
We hope to have the sound system installed as soon as the parts are ordered and the technicians are available. It is my sincere prayer that the new sound system will enhance our ability to hear one another. Many homilies, readings, prayers and announcements are lost in the echoes and dead spaces within our building.
If you have any questions, please email at rector@stbarnabasottawa.com or call me, and I will be happy to share what I know.
Advent Candles
Thank you to the Sunday School children and their families who have agreed to assist with lighting the Advent Wreath candles. The families and children feel honoured and take this responsibility seriously.
Sunday December 7 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrating 50 years of priesthood
Congratulations to The Reverend Canon Roger Young! The Reverend Canon Roger Young was ordained on December 7, 1975. He has served in several parishes and is currently an honorary assistant at St. Barnabas. After Father Stewart Murray retired in December 2024, Father Young served as the interim alongside Father Jim from January to April 30, 2025.
Join us this Sunday as we give thanks to God for Father Young’s ministry.
Father Young will preside at the 10:30 a.m. service.
An Advent Procession and Carols December 14, 7:15 p.m.
Join us at 7 pm for an extended organ prelude by music director Shawn Potter.
The beloved Advent Procession and Carols will be held on December 14 at 7:15 p.m. We will share in the sacred story of prophecy and expectation through readings, anthems, and much congregational singing. The candles, order of service, readers, hymns, and carols are prepared for this special evening.
Following the liturgy, there will be a potluck light reception. Everyone is invited to contribute sandwiches, cookies, or any other items for the reception. If you are able to assist, email Diane Roussel at coro@sympatico.ca
Advent Nativity Pageant Sunday December 21 at 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday December 21 the homily will be replaced by the Advent Nativity Pageant. Immediately following the pageant, the service will continue with Mass. The children will go to Sunday School, reflect on the Pageant, build gingerbread houses and an Advent puzzle.
If you plan to attend, please email Father Kwari at rector@stbarnabasottawa.com so that he knows how much to buy. The families will take their gingerbread houses home.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December 31, 5:00 p.m.
On New Year's Eve we will celebrate a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This cherished Christmas tradition, most popularly associated with Kings College, Cambridge, celebrates those tidings of great joy - the arrival of a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Please join us in this beautiful service with the playing of the merry organ, and sweet singing in the choir.
After the service, we will have a potluck celebration. In particular, we would invite you to bring a favourite Christmas dish that you enjoy in your family. Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ, the end of the year, and the commencement of 2026!
Mark your calendars
Sunday December 7 at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Canon Young 50th Year Priestly Ordination Celebration
Sunday December 14 at 7:15 p.m. An Advent Procession and Carols
Wednesday December 24 -The Nativity of our Lord at 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 31 -A festival of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carols with potluck.
Sunday January 4 Epiphany
Sunday January 11 the Baptism of Christ and Renewal of Baptism Vows.
Tuesday February 17 Pancake Supper
February 18 Ash Wednesday Service at noon
February 18 Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 p.m. Solemn High Mass with the Imposition of Ashes
Saturday February 21: Lenten Retreat 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
I wish you all a Blessed Advent Season.
