Learning for Life: Classes will resume in January
JOIN our Worship Service: 11:00 am
Listen to the sermon: Joel Russell-MacLean
Watch the recent Worship Service
“For This Reason My Joy Has Been Fulfilled”
Bulletin: Bulletin December 17
Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:4-13; Psalm 5; John 3:26-30
Songs:
- Come and Worship – Bebo Norman (video)
- God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (lyrics & melody, video, choir, boys choir, background, meditation)
- O Thou Joyful, O Thou Wonderful (lyrics, melody & background, video, harp, meditation)
- Christians All, Your Lord Is Coming (Solo)
- Once in Royal David’s City (band, Choir and congregation, meditation)
- It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Celtic Women, Kutless, background & meditation)
Joel Russell-MacLean
Our world is in need of the hope, peace, joy, and love the church celebrates each Advent and Christmas. Really, every one of us does as well.
In this season, there are lots of opportunities to be drawn into celebrations. Work, family, and friends are holding parties. Community choirs, bands, and churches are holding concerts. City streets and homes are decorated with lights. All of these things affect our hearts and spirits for the better.
Advent and Christmas in the church invite us to something deeper. They encourage us to allow Jesus to be born in our hearts.
Jesus enters our lives not as a helpless baby but as one with life and authority. He comes to address the ways our hearts are still attached to things that will cause problems. He brings gifts with him: hope, peace, joy, and love.
We can see how the world needs these gifts. Sometimes, we realize how much we need them too. This is our chance to receive more than the passing fun of parties or the enjoyment of concerts. This is our chance, once again or for the first time, to welcome Jesus into our lives.