By Philip Wong
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11
We give thanks to God for sending Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Montreal UBF held its Christmas Worship Service on December 21, with an attendance of over 120 participants. The congregation included family members and friends, as well as guests who traveled from Sherbrooke. In God’s providence, Joshua and Paulina Park from São Paulo were also able to attend.
The theme of this year’s Christmas Worship Service was Jesus Our Saviour. In preparation, the church studied Luke chapter 1 through the Christmas Bible passages leading up to the service. The worship program consisted of three main components: the Bible message, a music concert, and a movie presentation.
The Bible message was delivered by Stephen Kwon and focused on praising Jesus, who was born for us and meets us where we are. Regardless of the circumstances we face in life, the birth of Jesus remains the ultimate good news for all people. Though sin separated humanity from God, God initiated reconciliation by providing salvation through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
The music concert, lasting approximately forty minutes, featured eight heavenly musical pieces, in addition to a congregational chorus and an offering duet. The program presented a diverse range of performances, including a professional-quality trio rendition of the Nutcracker’s Waltz of the Flowers by Catherine (violin), Sori (cello), and Alison (piano); a four-hand piano performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah; an orchestral presentation by a six-member ensemble; an operatic solo of O Holy Night by Sylvia Na; a men’s vocal piece, a women’s vocal piece, and two joyful French songs. Through this concert, the congregation was led to praise Jesus Christ, our born Saviour.
The service concluded with a movie presentation, an initiative led by Elizabeth Jumeau in collaboration with the church’s young people. The film powerfully conveyed God’s love for the world and his purpose in sending Jesus Christ. It also featured two personal testimonies shared by Ivan and Nathan. This presentation served as a fitting conclusion, emphasizing the grace of Jesus Christ, who came to save sinners.
We praise Jesus Christ, who came to save us and who is the greatest gift of Christmas. The Montreal UBF family extends warm wishes to all for a very blessed and joyful Christmas.
