Displaying items by tag:Reverend Valerie Kenyon

Christmas Day: Just One in Twelve — Living the Full Wonder of Christmas
by Canon Val

Somewhere between the midnight carols and the Boxing Day leftovers, we are tempted to forget that Christmas Day is in fact only the first note in a twelve-day song of joy. The Church calendar is clear that Christmas is not a moment—it’s a season. Like the steady flame of a candle, it burns from December 25 until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. moves quickly: decorations boxed up by December 27, sales signs replacing stars, trees tossed out onto the street for pick up. But the Christian rhythm invites us to slow down, breathe, and let the miracle of the Incarnation sink in. We need more than one day to marvel at the impossible: God with us, Emmanuel.

The “Twelve Days of Christmas” are not just a song about partridges and pear trees (though, it is a fun one). They trace the unfolding revelation of Christ’s coming—each day a window into an aspect of divine love. During these days, we move from the glow of Bethlehem’s manger, carrying the wonder of that light through our homes and hearts until the faithful and persistent Wise Ones arrive, following their star.

Why not consider some of these ways to celebrate the fullness of the Season?

Keep the Nativity Scene Out. Let the shepherds stay a while. Wait to add the Wise Men until January 6, reminding yourself that revelation takes time.

Light a Candle Each Day. Each evening, take a moment to light a candle and give thanks for one gift of the Incarnation—peace, courage, forgiveness, hope, healing, faith joy.

Read the Story Slowly. Read Luke 2:1–20 over several days, one small section at a time. Imagine yourself in the stable, among the animals, beside Mary and Joseph. Perhaps see the scene from a different character each day. What do you suppose that donkey was thinking as he trudged along?

Acts of Kindness. Choose one gentle act each day—a phone call to someone lonely, a note of gratitude, a donation, a shared meal.

Sing and Rest. Keep singing the carols! They’re not “over.” Pay careful attention to the words they contain and let them become your prayers. Take time for Sabbath rest; the Christ child came not to add to our busyness, but to bring peace.

Celebrate Epiphany. On January 6, mark the end of the season with something small but special—a meal with candles, or a star-shaped cookie to remember the guiding light of God.

So may we all enjoy the gift of lingering this year. Let each of these twelve days be a pause, a breath, a prayer of gratitude for the astonishing truth that God has come near—and stays near still.“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.” – John 1:14

“The world for which Christ came is not a world that is clean and bright, but the one that is waiting and weeping.”
— Madeleine L’Engle

Welcome to the website for the congregation of St. Anne's (Byron), an active Anglican (Episcopal) congregation in the western part of London, Ontario. Reverend Canon Valerie Kenyon is our priest. We extend a warm welcome to all visitors, and those looking for a new church home, being blessed with visitors on a regular basis. Our church and parish hall are both wheelchair accessible.

Check out our events calendar to see what is happening in the coming weeks!

As you explore St. Anne’s website you will get a glimpse of the lives and activities of people who make up the family of God at St. Anne’s. There are many more whose names are not recorded here but whose memory is cherished, whose lives have shaped our lives and whose hard work and love of Christ built a foundation stronger than the foundation laid over 170 years ago with field stones and mortar from surrounding farm land, a foundation that is held together by its cornerstone – Jesus Christ. We are not a perfect family; we are a real family who daily put our lives in the hands of a perfect God, who continually conforms us into Christ’s likeness.

Along with Anglicans around the globe, we at St. Anne’s hold the traditional faith of Christians through the ages. We look back with thanksgiving for blessings received and we look ahead with joy, wondering what new song we are to sing unto the Lord. (Psalm 144:9) The holy friendship we share with God and one another makes us a family and the ministry to which every person you see here and beyond these pages is called, leads us into joyful service of the community in which we live. Our work is simple, to worship God, build a relationship with His Son and love one another as Christ has loved us. (John 15:12)

To get the most out of this website, check our Events Calendar for the list of activites and then consider our other menu items such as Church Seasons. Look for updates and current news on our Outreach and Faith and Worship pages.

Donations to support the ongoing ministry at St. Anne’s Byron can be made in several ways:

• with cash or cheques in a Sunday envelope at church - please note that cheques must be made out to "St. Anne's Anglican Church"
• e-transfers may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• by using the Donate Now button at the top of each page on our website ( https://stannesbyron.ca/) or via Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/stannes-anglican-church-byron/ A small fee is charged by Canada Helps.
• through automatic withdrawals on your bank account or credit card arranged with our Envelope Secretary, Verna M.using this form

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Help St. Anne's raise money by buying cash/gift cards at www.fundscrip.com.
Buy a cash/gift card to any number of participating businesses through St. Anne's and the church receives a commission on your purchase. For less than $1 in postage for online orders, the card comes right to your mailbox. To order online, go to www.fundscrip.com and use code 5MW25S. Payment must be made at the time of purchase.