Presented by the St. Andrew's Sanctuary Choir
A Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
The Story Behind NOËL
We have named our Christmas service this year quite simply, and appropriately, Noël. The word is derived from the Old French naël, which means “birth”. Over time “naël” became “noël”, which came to be used to refer to the time of celebration of Christ’s birth, and, of course, to refer also to the songs of celebration, that we know now as Christmas carols.
Being part of a Christmas service is being part of a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Our service continues the tradition. We hear the familiar verses from the gospels that tell the Christmas story, or a few lines of poetry, and noëls that illustrate the story.
Christmas is a time for gratitude, for all the gifts that have been given to us; reflection, time for thinking of the meaning of the coming of the Messiah; renewal, new hope that comes with the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
- Ann-Marie MacDairmid, Director of Music
Music at St. Andrew's
Music has long been part of the life of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Among its most cherished musical traditions is the annual Christmas cantata, a special service of Carols and Anthems held each December. For decades, this celebration of the Christmas story through scripture and song has extended beyond the sanctuary, with the service recorded and shared with viewers across Waterloo Region through St. Andrew's Christmas Day broadcast on CTV Kitchener.
From the Archives:
Presented on December 14, 2025, Signs of Promise traced the unfolding Christmas story through ancient prophecies, angelic messages and the journey to Bethlehem.
Through scripture, choral anthems and familiar carols, the service explored the signs of hope that pointed toward the birth of Christ, culminating in the joyful proclamation of Christmas.
Plan Your Visit
Parking
Parking at St. Andrew's is limited, and we encourage guests to allow extra time to find parking before the cantata.
Church parking: Limited spaces are available in the church parking lot, accessible from Queen Street and Roy Street.
Nearby parking: Additional parking can be found along surrounding streets and in nearby public parking lots, including the Centre in the Square area and the Duke Street parking garage.
Library parking: Underground parking is available across Queen Street at the Kitchener Public Library.
Please observe posted parking restrictions and rates.
Accessibility
We look forward to welcoming all guests to St. Andrew's.
For the cantata, the parking lot entrance and both Queen Street entrances will be open. One of the Queen Street entrances features an accessibility ramp, and an elevator is available inside the church which will take you to the Sanctuary.
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the church parking lot.
The celebration continues after the music.
Following NOËL, all are warmly invited to stay for a complimentary spaghetti dinner, an opportunity to gather and enjoy fellowship during the Christmas season.
Whether you have celebrated Christmas with us for many years or are visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you as we continue this cherished tradition together.