A holiday invitation to Saugus

Celebration of Christmas with Children

By The Rev. John Beach

St. John’s Episcopal church

  Every year we all wrestle with how to best balance the joy of Christmas with the frenetic consumerism this season evokes. There is a great tension between the glimpse of “Peace on Earth” and the exhaustion produced by societal and familial expectations.

  At St. John’s Episcopal Church, we are mindful of this conflict for persons of faith as well as for those who do not consider themselves religious. 2021 has been a year of uncertainty, anxiety, and growing hyper-partisanship. Perhaps, this year, we might consider the better angels within us calling us to find courage, compassion, and patience with ourselves and each other.

  On Christmas Eve St. John’s Episcopal Church will be re-enacting the nativity of Jesus. At 5 p.m. that afternoon the children of our community will be offering a dramatic presentation of the Biblical passages describing the first Christmas. We invite any local children to join us in this re-enactment.

  All are welcome; people who regularly worship as well as the wider community. We also invite adults who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a childlike heart.

  We shall be gathering at 3 p.m. for the distribution of costumes and a brief rehearsal. We have a very high tolerance for imperfection in our performance and a love of laughter. If you are interested, please contact The Rev. John Beach

  St. John’s Episcopal Church

  8 Prospect Street

  Saugus, Massachusetts 01906

  revjbeach@gmail.com

  church office phone: 781 233 1242