The Christ of Christmas: Sometimes Christmas is shortened to Xmas. For some the X, as the first letter in the Greek of Jesus name is just a short form. For many though, the X, as in algebra represents the unknown. Over these weeks we will get acquainted with the Christ of Christmas.
November 27: Advent 1 – Hope: Anticipation (selected texts) Welcome to the first Sunday in Advent. In Advent we prepare to receive the Christ who comes to us. The Christmas story did not come out of nowhere. It is the realization of centuries of waiting, hoping and longing. God had made promises to his people that had not yet been fulfilled. Jesus comes as the awaited pinnacle of the great story of God and our world. Jesus is our hope.
Devotional Thought: Is there much anticipation in your Christmas preparations? Could what you long for be found in Christ?
(No audio recording available.)
December 4: Advent 2 – Peace: Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:1-7) There is a verse in the ancient Hebrew Scriptures telling of the birth of a son to be called, the Prince of Peace. Jesus came as the giver of peace. In a world with still so much hatred, violence and terrorism; and a world where many suffer from stress and anxiety, we need the peace that Jesus gives.
Devotional Thought: If there are turbulence of stress in your life invite the Prince of Peace to come and calm the troubled waters.
December 11: Advent 3 – Joy: Rejoice! (Luke 2:10) One of the great benefits and evidences of Christ is Joy. It was announced that his birth was good news of great joy. We sing, “Joy to the World.” What are the roots of this happiness? Together we will seek and enter into the joy of Christ.
Devotional Thought: In John 15:9-11, Jesus draws a relationship between his love for us and the joy that he gives. Take a look at these verses and reflect on the completeness of your joy.
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December 18: Advent 4 – Love: Cantata – Sing with the Angels! Our choir will present the Christmas story in song and word. Angels are referenced throughout the scriptures and play a major role in the story of Christ’s birth, from Gabriel’s first appearance to Zacharias, to the glorious scene of angels filling the heavens singing “Gloria in excelsis Deo”. Come join the angel song.
Devotional Thought: What is the song in your heart this Christmas? What would you like it to be?
December 24 (6:30 pm): Advent 5 – Jesus: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – X-Factor (John 1:14 & 18) Sometimes Christmas is shortened to Xmas. For some the X, as the first letter in the Greek of Jesus name is just a short form. For many though, the X, as in algebra represents the unknown. This night we will get acquainted with the Christ of Christmas. Join us for this wonderful family and community service. Service is followed by Apple Cider and light refreshments.
Devotional Thought: What is the most important thing you know about Jesus?
December 25: Advent 5 – Jesus: Come Again (Revelation 22) The celebration of Christmas is more than just looking back at a great event of history. Christ is at work today to give us a foretaste of the future he will bring when he returns. When he comes again he will make all things right; uniting heaven and earth. “Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” This will be a service for the whole family.
Devotional Thought: “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”