Yellowknife (Dec 24/04) - Christian faiths may differ in their teachings, but when it comes to Yellowknife churches, a similar message seems to ring clear at Christmas time.

Peace, brotherhood, joy and the appreciation of the precious beauty of life are the main themes.

Rev. Joe Daley prepares to give his sermon on Christmas Day. The priest at St. Patrick's parish is in Kugluktuk for the holiday season this year.

"That's what Christmas is all about. The Lord Jesus Christ came to save the world, not condemn the world," said pastor Frank Siemens of the Central Arctic Baptist Church.

"We do have a wonderful Lord and if it weren't for Him we wouldn't be."

When it comes to the Roman Catholic Church, Christmas sermons are predetermined. A unique holiday season this year, however, will allow Rev. Joe Daley to impart some of what Christmas means to him.

The parish priest for St. Patrick's parish will spend his first Christmas ministering to the congregation in Kugluktuk.

"One of the things as I go to the Arctic Coast I'm aware of is that it's further north and there will be even less sunlight there," he said.

"So I will certainly look at the gospel on Christmas Day and read how Jesus is the one who brings light into our lives."

Elder member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Bill Fandrick explained that his faith does not observe Christmas and the holiday season passes much like the rest of the year.

An important part of his faith's beliefs do however, mirror similar themes.

"We teach our congregation we shouldn't look for specific days to be nice to people. It's a 365-day-a-year activity," he said.

"We don't confine gifts to a particular time of year. Gifts are a voluntary expression of one's gratitude or affection or consideration so any time is an appropriate time to make that expression."

When it comes to the United Church of Yellowknife, the emphasis this Christmas will be on peace and love, said Rev. Liz Richards.

The sacrifice of Jesus was a gift of love to mankind, she explained. "Because of the gift of love we've been given, we have the ability to receive peace and make peace," she said.

A memorable Christmas Day for her was encountering a natural peace and tranquility amid the moonlight and glow of the Aurora Borealis while on her way to mass in Saskatchewan.