The View from the Pulpit:
Dear People of God, Gathered in Preparation for Christmas,
The Seasons of Advent & Christmas
ADVENT . . . a time of preparation
CHRISTMAS . . . a time of celebration
The Advent and Christmas Seasons of the Church Year are certainly an exciting time, with concerts, parties, programs, dinners, shopping, decorating, cards, etc. (the list is truly endless!). In the hectic rush, it is important for us to remember that Advent prepares us for something: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Advent is a time to prepare – God’s great promises of a Savior are answered. And Christmas is a time to celebrate more than just gifts and parties – it is the birth of God’s very own Son into human flesh, for you and for me and for all! This Advent and Christmas, take time to be with your parish family as we prepare for, and celebrate, the birth of our Lord!
Join with your congregational family as we prepare our hearts, minds, and lives to once again celebrate the GOOD NEWS of Christmas! Advent Midweek Services are held every Wednesday evening, beginning with a Fellowship Meal at 5:45 PM, and Advent Worship at 7:00 PM. The Advent Midweek Theme is “STOP – LOOK – LISTEN!” At our Sunday Worship Gatherings (8:00 AM & 11:00 AM), I am preaching on the Theme: “More Than Just Decorations: Symbols of the Savior.”
Invite and bring a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or relative as we praise the Lord!
Oh, holy Babe of Mary, be my Savior and my King,
And make Thy infant glory, through this silent night to ring.
Return once more to Bethlehem, and take Thy rightful place,
As King of Christmas, God of Love, and manifest of grace.
And bring this world again a sense, of brotherhood and peace,
And let our faith and love, and not our properties, increase.
And when the eastern sunlight bids us, wake on Christmas morn,
Then let us each be unto Thee, an infant newly born.
Pastor Hank Hollar
