A chance to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year

A Winnipeg pastor says that while she enjoys Christmas celebrations, this year's restrictions opens the door to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Roberta Roslund is a co-lead pastor at Rose Church, a church she and her husband, Mark, started in 2020. The church has only operated online since it began.

"We have only ever been online. It will be exciting one day when we can gather," laughs Roslund. "What is encouraging for this season is that it really encourages what Christmas is about."

While worship may feel different online, Roslund says the true meaning of Christmas can still be found even without holiday fanfare or large gatherings. While the pastor is a fan of Christmas cheer and celebrations, Roslund says this year is an opportunity to reconnect with the true meaning of the day.

"More than ever, I think the world needs hope right now," she says. "I think the reason for the season is Jesus. And being able to really be encouraged this season with Him and with the hope that Jesus can be hope in this dark time, that He can be with us. He is near."

Roslund is hopeful that people will use the quiet Christmas to connect with Jesus.

"I think this can be such a reflection time of looking back at this year, and again, you can be really discouraged looking back and being like 'oh man, this year did not go the way I wanted it to,' or looking for Jesus in the good moments of this year."

The lead pastor says that reconnecting, or connecting for the first time, does not need to be overthought, that simply focussing on Jesus is the important part.

"I think God's word is so powerful and I think there is power in taking that time to read and just to say a simple prayer," she says. "It does not have to be eloquent, it does not have to be complex, it is just being like 'God. I need you in this time.'"

She suggests reading the Christmas story alone or as a family. She says being able to worship online brings many people hope and is encouraging Manitobans to join a virtual Christmas service this year.