Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

EVERY HEART PREPARE

We decorate in preparation for Christmas. In November and December people spend hours putting up lights in their living space and ornaments on their evergreens. Poinsettias are placed on the mantel and presents under the tree, and we “deck the halls with boughs of holly.” These Christmas decorations bring enjoyment and anticipation to the holiday.

Advent is the church’s season of preparation for Christmas, for the coming of the Lord. This Advent season, as part of our preparation, we reflect upon three common Christmas decorations and how they help us see Christ and prepare for His coming: evergreens, lights, and the creche. Then on Christmas we will focus on the decorated presents which point us to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Week 1 – Evergreens. We will consider how evergreens point us to the coming of Christ and the eternal life that He brings. Week 2 – Lights. We will consider how lights point us to the coming of Christ and the glory He brings. Week 3 – Crèche. The crèche is a distinctively Christian decoration in that it depicts the characters involved in the nativity of Christ: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Wise Men, the angels, the stable animals, and—most important of all—the infant Jesus. As we view this manger scene, we recall the timeless story of God coming to earth as a baby to redeem us from our sins. Christmas Eve- Wrapped Presents. On Christmas [Eve], we consider how the gifts under the tree point us to God’s indescribable gift in Jesus Christ.

“Hanging of the Greens” will be done as part of the First Sunday of Advent on Sunday  November 30th at 10:30 am.

Advent Midweek Schedule:

Wednesdays: December 3, 10, 17

Dinner at 6:00 pm

Midweek Worship at 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Schedule:

December 24: Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 pm and at 8:00 pm, with Communion and Candlelight.

There will be no services on Christmas Day.

Come join us for the Midweek Advent Dinner and Worship Services. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

In Christ’s Peace,

Pastor Ryan Honeycutt