This the first in a series of three parts by Clinton Halladay
Hope, Hospitality, and Holy Humor
Christmas is a season of light breaking into darkness, of joy arriving in unexpected places, and of kindness shown in small but profound ways. At its heart lies the miracle of Jesus’ birth — a story that has been told for centuries yet never grows old.
Let us begin where the Gospel of Luke begins:
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
It’s a verse so familiar that we sometimes just skim right past it. But pause for a moment. No room in the inn. No vacancy sign flashing in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph, weary from travel, are turned away from comfort. And yet, in that humble stable, the greatest miracle unfolds.
The birth of Jesus is not just the arrival of a baby — it is the arrival of hope itself. Isaiah prophesied centuries earlier:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Think about that: the Prince of Peace, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a feeding trough. The King of Kings, born not in a palace but in a stable. If you were writing the script for the Messiah’s entrance, you’d probably choose trumpets, royal robes, and a red carpet. Instead, God chose straw, shepherds, and simplicity.
There’s humor in that contrast, isn’t there? Imagine the angels briefing each other: “Okay team, we’re announcing the Saviour of the world. Target audience: shepherds. Venue: a barn. Dress code: swaddling clothes.” Heaven’s marketing department must have raised an eyebrow. And yet, it was perfect.
Part two next week…
Mission Awareness
As many of you know, we continue to support a student at Colegio Bautista Emmanuel School in San Salvador. Her name is Luz Mariela. She is 16 years old and in Grade 10. As the Advent season approaches, we invite you to continue partnering with the ministry in San Salvador through prayer or by making a donation towards Luz Mariela’s schooling. You can include your donation with your regular offering and make a note that it is for El Salvador. Please add an ornament to the display in the sanctuary when you remember Luz Mariela, whether through your giving’s or in prayer. We will collect donations until December 14, so that we can send our financial support before the year end, but please know that donations are welcome at any time. Thank you for your support!
GOODY BAGS
The season of Advent marks a time of preparation for Christmas and involves many special traditions. One of our traditions at Elgin United Church is preparing the Goody Bags for the Christmas Hampers that the Elgin Foodbank distributes to those in need. The hampers contain the staples for Christmas meals, while these bags hold special treats that are not essential but bring much joy to the recipients.
We will deliver the Goody Bags to Bethel Tabernacle on Sunday, December 14th . If you have a few minutes to stay after church and help with delivery it would be appreciated!
IN these days of high food costs, many local families rely on assistance through the Foodbank and these hampers, and we will be supporting 33 families this year! We rely on our congregation to help us cover the cost of these treats.
You can place a donation on the offering plate at church, or send an e-transfer to
(*Please note on your cheque or e-transfer ‘Goody Bags’)
Thank you for your generosity and support, and for helping us put smiles on the faces of those in need this Christmas!
Christmas in Portland
1:30 pm Sunday, December 7, 2025
Portland Community Hall, 24 Water Street
Wagon Rides around the Village start at 1:30 p.m.
After a ride, meet back at the Hall for cookie decoration and hot chocolate.
At 3:00 p.m. Santa will arrive for a visit and photo.
All are welcome.
Sunday Dec 7th, 2:30 PM Christmas Ecumenical Choir at Knox Presbyterian Church, Westport. Wonderful music, fellowship and refreshments.
Reminder to the UCW Members of our lunch on Dec 9th at Michael’s Table in Perth. Please confirm attendance to Connie by Dec. 6. We will carpool from the church at 11:20 for lunch at 12:00 (earlier if inclement weather).
The Young at Heart Breakfast Club meets for the last time this year on Thursday the 18th of December. If you are coming let Clint or Ted know by Wednesday the 17th about noon by what ever means you are comfortable with so we can reserve a spot for us. Hope to see you there……..Ted
Free Art Classes in the Portland Village – 6-12 yrs. Monday 4:30-6:15 at the Portland Restaurant & Pizzeria. Visual Art Teacher – Darlene, call to book your spot 905-801-5060.
Bible Discussion Groups
Monday evening at Portland UC at 6:30 – 7:45 and Tuesday mornings at Guthrie House in Elgin (10 Perth St.) at 10:00-11:30. All are welcome to join in the friendly discussions and fellowship. For more information, contact Jim Barton at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-329-4089.
Saturday, December 6 – Portland Build a Mountain 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at Portland LCBO and RBC. Our village of Portland and surrounding area has been amazing over the years, in answering the needs of our community. Your continued support will put food on the tables of so many, who might otherwise go without. Thank you in advance. See you then.
Free Art Classes in the Portland Village – 6-12 yrs. Monday 4:30-6:15 at the Portland Restaurant & Pizzeria. Visual Art Teacher – Darlene, call to book your spot 905-801-5060.
Devotional Reflection
December 6, 2025
I have always had a bit of an attachment to royalty, mostly because I was born in the year of the Queen’s Coronation. For the first 5 years of my life my brother, Trevor, called me Queen Elizabeth. And when I attended school for the first time I came home in tears because the teacher insisted on calling me ‘Elizabeth’ – nothing more. I lamented to my mother that the teacher was rather mean for not using my full name! It was quite devasting! I got over it.
In fact, in my life time, there have been many names that I would not like to be called: Scaredy-cat; Pollyanna; Pandora; Traitor; Blabber-mouth; Liar; Thief; and in today’s’ newest vernacular, being called ‘A Karen’ is the worst!
But as I grew, and began to read and understand Scripture, I was certain that at least I had some names that rang true – I knew about Baby Jesus and in my limited understanding, loved the Nativity story.
Of course, after many years passed, and through countless, majestic hymns, there was a name that resonated with me – The Prince of Peace! There it was again – royalty.
Imagine my confusion, how does a Prince of Peace end up being crucified? Doesn’t royalty bring power? Privilege? Protection?
And so today, in this 2nd week of Advent in the Christian calendar we are confronted with this being the week of Peace!
What is in a name? How can a name such as Prince of Peace bring forth so many emotions? I must ask you, my dear friends, to take the time and ponder this name: Prince of Peace!
When life is going well – Prince of Peace
When life’s a disaster – Prince of Peace
Life is filled with sorrow – Prince of Peace
Life of joy – Prince of Peace
No matter what – Prince of Peace
Strong words for us to hear. Tougher still to follow. But for us, we only need the reminder. Jesus – Prince of Peace, came into this world to give us peace.
This season of hope, peace, love and joy will only come alive if you let it permeate your being.
Believing in the Prince of Peace goes beyond what this world has in store. God gave us life. And God alone gave us the desire to live for Him.
Seize the day! This is your chance and your choice to talk with royalty. Make room for Christ!
You are blessed and loved!
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge