Christmas is coming, and the good news of the birth of Christ gathers us together in celebration, wonder and joy!
At 4 p.m. our annual Children’s Christmas Eve service will fill the sanctuary with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Shepherds and kings, a camel, a donkey and herds of sheep will gather at the manger, surrounding the baby Jesus, his mother and father with warmth and grace. We will sing carols, and be led by the children as they read, play and sing their way through this beautiful story. The sanctuary fills up early, so don’t be late!
Our 8 o’clock service will be led by the music of our 3rd service ensemble. We’ll sing the familiar, traditional carols, but with the usual 3rd service twist. We’ll also welcome special musical guests – Doug and Jesse MacLeod join the group for the evening. They’ll bring something special to an already beautiful night.
At 11 p.m. we’ll gather with the Chancel Choir, sing favorite carols, and share communion as we welcome Christ into our world and into our lives. The service closes with the candlelight singing of “Silent Night,” as we head out into the crisp, dark night.
In the gospel for Christmas Eve, Luke reminds us that the birth of Jesus takes place in the midst of other world events. From his throne in Rome, Caesar rules the Empire. His officials carry out his orders. Lives are turned upside-down. Those in power issue decrees. Ordinary people have to live with the consequences. But in Bethlehem an entirely different story is taking place. There at the manger, God enters the world in humility and weakness. A child is born to an unmarried couple, with only a few shepherds and a barn full of animals as witness. It seems like an odd way to begin the salvation of the world. The text is Luke 2:1-20, and Jonathan’s sermon is “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
One important year-end note: Only contributions which are received or postmarked in 2014 can count as charitable gifts for the current year! Thank you for your generosity as we bring an end to a remarkable year together!
See you at church!
