Christmas at St Ann’s Kingston Hill
Kingston Hill, KT2 7LX
Christmas is a time when God comes close to us — quietly, gently, lovingly.
At St Ann’s, we warmly invite you, your family, friends, and neighbours to celebrate the joy, peace, and hope of the birth of Jesus with us.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Christmas Eve – Wednesday, 24 December 2025
- 5.00 pm – Children’s Mass
(with a simple Gospel Nativity Play)
A joyful, child-friendly celebration for families and young children. - 7.00 pm – Carol Service
Traditional Christmas carols and readings preparing our hearts for the Vigil Mass. - 7.30 pm – Christmas Vigil Mass
Celebrating the birth of Christ in word, music, and Eucharist.
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2025
- 10.30 am – Christmas Day Mass
A solemn and joyful celebration of the Nativity of the Lord for the whole parish community.
Christmas Offering
The Christmas Offering is a personal offering to the parish priest.
This year, the proceeds will support the completion of a village primary school where Fr James himself was educated. Details for giving are available in church and online and Newsletter.
All Are Welcome
Whether you come regularly or are visiting for the first time, you are most welcome at St Ann’s.
Come as you are — there is always a place for one more.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all those on whom his favour rests.” (Luke 2:14)
Christmas Vigil Homily – “You Are Home”
My dear brothers and sisters,
What a joy it is to see you here this evening — families gathered together, loved ones beside you, many of you enjoying a few precious days of rest, time to slow down, to breathe, to be present to one another. Christmas gives us that gift — permission to pause and simply be together.
And for anyone who is here without family close by, please remember this: the Church is your home. And the priest’s house is your house. You are always welcome. You are never alone here.
Tonight, we celebrate not an idea or a theory, but a family.
A young mother.
A quiet father.
A fragile child.
Nothing dramatic on the outside, yet heaven itself cannot keep silent.
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.” (Luke 2:14)
Let us look gently at Joseph.
A carpenter — skilled, dependable, responsible. A man who worked with his hands, who planned, who provided. When God enters his life, Joseph does not argue or panic. He listens.
The Gospel tells us simply:
“He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24)
Joseph shows us something deeply relevant today. True strength is not about control; it is about trust. He lets go of his own plans, his expectations, even his reputation, and in doing so becomes the protector of God’s own Son.
How many parents, especially fathers, carry quiet sacrifices every day for their families? Joseph stands with you.
And then there is Mary.
Young, yet deeply mature. Facing uncertainty, yet calm. She does not rush ahead of God; she does not panic.
The Gospel says:
“Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Mary teaches us the holiness of reflection. In a world of instant answers and constant noise, she reminds us that faith grows in stillness. She listens, trusts, and allows God’s plan to unfold.
How many mothers carry concerns silently, loving deeply, praying quietly? Mary understands you.
And at the centre — the child.
St Paul captures the mystery of Christmas in one powerful line:
“Though he was in the form of God, he did not cling to equality with God, but emptied himself.” (Philippians 2:6–7)
This is the heart of Christmas — God’s humility. Not weakness, but love made visible.
Humility has an extraordinary power. A humble heart blesses a family. A humble presence brings peace. A humble life becomes light. You may have everything, but without humility it remains empty. With humility, even ordinary life becomes extraordinary.
And where does all this happen?
Not in a palace.
Not in perfection.
But in an ordinary place.
Because God feels at home wherever love is real.
The angels sing. The shepherds come — tired, faithful, attentive. Those who were simply awake in the night are the first to hear the good news.
My dear brothers and sisters,
This is the beauty of Christmas: ordinary lives becoming extraordinary because God is welcomed.
Take this Jesus into your families, into your homes, into your days of rest. Become a Joseph — steady and faithful. Become a Mary — reflective and trusting. Become an angel — speaking peace. Become a shepherd — attentive to what truly matters.
There is room for everyone at the crib.
And there is room for everyone here.
You are home.
Amen.