The View from the Pulpit:
Dear “Advent” and “Christmas” People of God,
Once again the spell of the little child born in a manger is falling over the world. Again you and I are touched by the memories. Our Savior’s birth is a recurring miracle. It is amazing that the birth of a child – yes! God’s very own Son! – in a distant land, in the midst of farm animals, should stand forth as the most striking and suggestive of all the recorded events of history. It is strange but true!
All people pause before the manger which was so closely associated with His birth, look upon the scene where angelic choirs sang their message of “glory to God in the highest, and earth peace, good will to men” to a few humble shepherds. And we know again that we are listening to the world’s greatest love story, which tells of the gift of God of His only begotten Son!
Once more there comes to us the angel’s assurance, “Fear not!” (and that reminder to “Fear not!” comes several times in the Advent and Christmas stories!), even though our day be a time of stress, tensions, war, and fear. In this hallowed season, may there be a measure of the peace and a portion of the joy brought into the world by the Christ-Child in your hearts, in the hearts of your loved ones, and in the hearts of believing persons everywhere!
Through Advent we are reminded that the Child that came into the world carried our sins to the cross and rose triumphantly from the grave. At Christmas we celebrate “God with us,” – His love and gift to us in Jesus, who opened up the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in Him. Christmas is an exciting time of the year with concerts, parties, special programs, caroling, gifts, cards, baking, shopping, wrapping, and so on … In all this hectic excitement, let us remember that Christmas celebrates the birth of the Savior! Don’t forget to come to church to worship and praise Him:
SUNDAY MORNING ADVENT SERVICES
The Sunday Services Theme is “Christmas Grace,” as we examine the appointed Lessons of the Day and emphasize God’s great love and the hope it brings to our lives.
ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES at 7:00 PM: For the remaining Wednesdays of Advent (December 14 & 21). Our Advent Midweek Worship Theme for 2016 is: “Family Life” (as we examine the families of the Christmas Story)
RESURRECTION SCHOOL & SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS SERVICE will be held on Sunday, December 18th, at the Late (11:00 AM) Service. A Reception will be held proceeding the service in the Fellowship Hall.
AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Christmas allows us to share God’s gift of love with each other in special ways. We send cards, give gifts, invite others over for fellowship. As Christmas, 2016 draws closer, and the year draws to a close, let me express my personal thanks and appreciation to each of you at Resurrection for your prayers, thoughts and expressions of love for Rita and myself, and our family! May the Christ-Child bring you all Christmas joy and peace – and may His love guide and bless you each day of the New Year!
