Heading into the homestretch to the holiday season, there’s no better time than now to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. And there’s no better way to do this than to experience the highly sought after Cantata, Christmas Is Jesus, being held on December 14th and 15th at Stonewall United Church, 369 – 1st Avenue North in Stonewall.
Under the continued artistic direction of Bambi Rutherford for the past 21 years, this special concert event has become a tradition for people to attend, as they look forward to the Cantata as a break from the hustle and bustle of the commercialized Christmas.
The word Christmas means something different to everyone.
For some it is the exciting part of watching your dad cut down that perfect Christmas tree after a long trek through the woods with snow as high as your knees, then chuckle as he tries to get the tree through the door.
Spending time with family; taking part in all the festivities of trimming the tree with decorations of all kinds, stringing the popcorn, hanging the tinsel that is stuck together, and putting up lights all the while singing Christmas carols, waiting for the time to eat foods of every kind while trying to save room for dessert.
And of course, kids await the arrival of jolly ol’ St. Nick in the middle of the night as he sneaks into their gifts before mom and dad get up.
Reverend Leonard Oracheski
“Every once in a while, it’s good to be reminded that these blessings are only by-products of what Christmas is really all about,” says Reverend Leonard Oracheski.
“The meaning of Christmas is simple. Christmas is the time we remember the story of long ago. How an ordinary family responded to an invitation from God to do extraordinary things. Their trust in God gave us the day on which every year we celebrate the birth of this special person. Christmas is Jesus,” he says emphatically.
The Cantata Christmas Is Jesus was written by Mike Speck in 2002 because he saw how people can lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas.
Speck writes, “Jesus offers hope for the hurting and eternal life for those who are willing to accept the Father’s gift of love through His Son.”
Reverend Leonard (as he likes to be called) and Bambi Rutherford have added a dramatic portion adapted from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, to help tell the story of Jesus’ birth.
The Cantata which consists of narration, acting and choral singing, is being held Saturday, December 14th at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 15th at 2:00 pm (sold out) and at 7:00pm. The performance lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
To reserve tickets, contact Stonewall United Church at at 204-467-5469 between 10 am and 3 pm until Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for ages 6 to 16; ages 5 and under is free. Rush seating.
All are welcome to attend and enjoy this retelling of the Christmas story; and perhaps discover a new holiday tradition.
