At Christmas God came to us in a most unexpected yet wonderful way. He came accessible as a human – arriving as a baby and growing up with us. He would be called Immanuel – God with us. How do we experience “Immanuel” in our lives now? Over the Advent and Christmas season we are going answer this question as we explore and celebrate the presence of God among us.
December 3rd: “Hope – A Promise Realized: (Luke 1:67-80) In Zechariah’s song we are brought from darkness to light. He announces the coming to fruition of the many promises of old about a coming king and kingdom. His own son, John would be the one to prepare the way for the coming Christ. Our Hope is rooted in God being with us.
December 10: “Peace – Coming to Peaces” (Luke 2:14 & Luke 2:29-32) The Angel song announces peace upon those living in the favour of God. Simeon held the baby Jesus and now knew the peace he sought. Come enter and experience the peace of Christ and learn how to live in his grace. Learn of the very real hope of peace on earth.
December 17: “Joy – Cantata – Night of the Father’s Love – The Awe and Mystery of God with Us” A presentation in song and word of the story of Christ’s birth. This service is a joyous celebration.
December 24: “Love – God’s Embrace” (Luke 1:46-55 & John 3:16-17) The coming of Christ is the embrace of God’s love on the world and his embrace of love for you. Mary’s song is a glorious celebration of God keeping his promise to bless the world. John 3:16 reminds us of the depth and breadth of God’s love.
December 24, 6:30pm “Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service – Christ – Here Now” (Luke 2:1-20) Our service takes us back to the hidden and humble animal shelter where Jesus was born to experience his coming to us. Why did God come among us in this way? We will also try to be attentive to his presence now. Are you aware of the evidence of Jesus among us? The first Christmas helps us with today’s Christmas.
December 31: “The End and the Beginning” The end and the beginning can be at the same time and place. At midnight, 2017 ends and 2018 begins. What will you leave behind and what will you keep as you move into a new year. Having seen the hand of God at work let us go forward with a courageous faith and attentiveness to where and what God might be leading us to.
January 7: “Epiphany – The Star” (Matthew 2:1-12) In this famous but peculiar story some foreign star gazers are strangely and miraculously directed to the one born King of the Jews. These Magi came to Jesus in a most unexpected and surprising way. We are reminded that God is a seeking God and that his ways are not our ways. Maybe we can expect to be surprised.
January 14: