Schedule for Advent/December
Saturday, Dec. 6th Cookie Walk 1 pm to 4 pm in fellowship hall: The Whitechapel Handbell Choir will be playing seasonal pieces in the sanctuary at noon before the cookie walk.
Sunday, Dec. 7th Advent candle lighting celebrating Joy with Communion: Let me know if you’re interested in lighting the advent candles during worship as we move through December, there’s also a short reading that introduces a Christmas carol/hymn.
Sunday, Dec. 14th Advent candle lighting celebrating Peace. Blessing Pioneer Center wish list of Christmas gifts. kids’ Sunday School practicing for the Christmas play. Genesis Handbells will perform.
Sunday, Dec. 21st Advent candle lighting celebrating love. with a special candle lighting for Blue Christmas. Choir practice at 8 am. Children’s Christmas play after the worship service. Whitechapel Handbells will perform.
Wed. Dec. 24th Christmas Eve service 4 pm: We’ll tell the Christmas story through Scripture readings by the congregation coupled with well-known Christmas carols/hymns, a special kids time and lighting the Christ advent candle, leading to silent night sung by candlelight.
Blessings, Pastor Michael
Merry Christmas
- Second Sunday of Advent, December 7th
- Third Sunday of Advent, December 14th
- First Day of Winter, December 21st
- Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21st
- Christmas Eve, December 24th
- Christmas Day, December 25th
- New Year’s Eve, December 31st
The Angels’ Song in Three Words
On the very first Christmas Eve, frightened shepherds were suddenly surrounded by light and music. A choir of angels filled the night sky, singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14, KJV).
Nineteenth-century pastor Charles Kingsley reflected on how those three simple words — glory, peace, and good will — still capture the meaning of Jesus’ birth and the hope it brings.
Glory. God’s glory isn’t shown in dazzling displays of power but in humility and mercy. The baby in the manger revealed God’s greatness by stooping low, forgiving, and showing love.
Peace. True peace is more than the absence of conflict. It comes when we follow God’s example of selflessness, giving up pride and selfish ambition to live in harmony with one another.
Good will. God’s good will toward us is a gift that transforms our lives. Through Jesus, God invites us out of selfishness and sin into a life marked by love, kindness, and community.
The angels’ song wasn’t meant only for shepherds long ago. It still sings to us today, calling each of us to live in glory, peace, and good will.
Christmas Prayer: The True Gift
Dear Lord,
You have brought us to Christmastime once more. Help us not to get lost in the glitter and the glow, but to see the true glory of the birth of Your only begotten Son. Keep our hearts from clinging too tightly to parties, presents and decorations, and turn our eyes instead to Christ — who bears Your very image and brings us Your message of love and hope.
In the glorious name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Reconsider the Rush
The Christmas rush leads to stress for many people. But author Burton Hills viewed the madness from another perspective:
“Eventually, the hour comes when the rushing ends and the race against the calendar mercifully comes to a close. It is only now, perhaps, that we truly recognize the spirit of Christmas. It is not a matter of days or weeks, but of centuries — [more than] twenty of them now since that holy night in Bethlehem. Regarded in this manner, the pre-Christmas rush may do us greater service than we realize. With all its temporal confusion, it may just help us to see that by contrast, Christmas itself is eternal.”
His Many Names, Our Great Hope
Long before the manger in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah pointed God’s people to the promise of a Savior. In Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) we read: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Even before Jesus’ birth, his names revealed who he is and what he would bring. Each title carries a promise that still impacts our lives today.
- Wonderful Counselor. Jesus brings wisdom and guidance for every situation. In moments of confusion, we can lean on him to direct our steps with love and truth.
- Mighty God. He is strong enough to carry our burdens and powerful enough to overcome sin, fear and death itself.
- Everlasting Father. Jesus reflects the heart of God the Father, offering care that is constant and unchanging. His love doesn’t fade with time or circumstance.
- Prince of Peace. In a world filled with turmoil, Jesus offers a peace that goes deeper than circumstances, a peace that guards our hearts and minds.
At Christmas, we celebrate more than a baby’s birth. We celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise, a Savior with many names. Each one reminds us of his eternal love and presence. This season, let his names bring you comfort, strength and peace.
December Mission of the Month: UCC Christmas Fund &
Pioneer Center For Human Services Wishlist