“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is Given!” This joyful weekend, our Advent cries of “Prepare the way of the Lord” shift to wondrous sounds of Christmas good news for the world: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” No matter what you are facing in this journey of life, we pray you can sense the amazing gift of God’s love for you this Christmas weekend and the 12 days of Christmas season ahead! This year, Christmas Eve falls on Sunday, so we have a special schedule. There will be one Sunday morning worship service at 9:30 am, with focus on the 4th Sunday in Advent. We hear how the angel Gabriel came to Mary – and our own youth member, Anna Graves, will sing Mary’s Magnificat. Then, we have 2 Christmas Eve services later Sunday, with the theme, “Journey to the Manger.” At 5:00, Candlelight Communion service has a special focus on families with children, with the placement of Nativity figures at the creche, youth instrumentalists, and an extended children’s-type message, which also has meaning for worshippers of all ages. Traditional Festival Candlelight Communion will be at 7:30, with music beginning at 7:15. For this inspiring service, there will be organ, guitar, cello, French horn, choir, and handbells – along with the beautiful Moravian candles. Because the services each have a unique focus, there are those who will come worship all 3 times Sunday – feel free to worship any time that best suits you! 9:30 morning and 7:30 evening worship will be livestreamed (along with the music at 7:15). Invite neighbors, family & friends to join you Christmas Eve – in person OR online, if they are out-of-town. Don’t forget our Advent/Christmas food drive for Christian Assistance Bridge, with a goal of 2023 food items as “birthday gifts” for Jesus. Food can be brought to church Christmas Eve or any time by Dec. 31. May the words we sing this weekend resound in your heart: “Joyful all you nations rise, join the triumph of the skies, with angelic hosts proclaim, ‘Christ IS born in Bethlehem!” We look forward to worshipping with all of you this special Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas & Christ’ Peace! #ChristmasEve
