If you’re missing the songs you are used to singing and hearing in church at this time of year, Canadian Mennonite has just the thing for you.
We have created a playlist of videos that have been uploaded to YouTube in recent weeks that feature Mennonites from across Canada singing traditional hymns.
You can check out the playlist by visiting bit.ly/CMXmasPlaylist2020.
The playlist includes videos by Menno Singers, a choral group based in Ontario’s Waterloo Region; Manitoba’s Faith and Life Male Choir; and groups from Eigenheim Mennonite Church (Rosthern, Sask.) and Sterling Mennonite Fellowship (Winnipeg, Man.).
The bulk of the material comes from Mennonite Church B.C. The regional church supported the creation of 17 videos featuring songs for Advent and Christmas. They were recorded at Cedar Valley Church in Mission, B.C., and feature singers from a variety of congregations.
Heidi Epp, a member of Yarrow United Mennonite Church in Chilliwack, B.C, spearheaded the project.
“As a singer, I know how deep the ache is to hear each other sing together,” Epp wrote in a statement accompanying the videos. “Now, when things feel like they are only getting darker, and more isolating, I pray that these carols warm your heart and remind you that Emmanuel, Christ with us, gathers us all together around the light and warmth of the manger.”
Lastly, the playlist includes two contemporary songs:
Curtis Wiebe from Hope Mennonite Church in Winnipeg wrote “O What a Christmas It’s Gonna Be” and recorded it with his group, the Whizbang Shufflers. It’s about Mennonite Central Committee’s giving guide.
“At Christmas Time” was written and performed by Jess and Moses Falco from Sterling Mennonite Fellowship. Although it was written a few years ago, the lyrics seem to speak to celebrating Christmas during a pandemic.
If you’re looking for even more music, readings and reflections, here are links to recent virtual Christmas concerts from Mennonite schools in Canada:
- A Grebel Community Christmas Show
- Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Christmas Concert 2020
- RJC High School Christmas Concert
- MEI Middle School’s Christmas Chapel
Merry Christmas!
Do you have a video we should see? Email submit@canadianmennonite.org.
'O What a Christmas It’s Gonna Be' by the WhizBang Shufflers is part of Canadian Mennonite's 2020 Christmas Playlist.
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