Jesus entered this world with zero dignity. His parents were not married. His cradle was a feed trough. Others in his nursery had four legs, not two. He was wrapped in rags. He was targeted for death by King Herod, raised on the run. And He would die with even less dignity: convicted unjustly, beaten, bloodied, abandoned, naked, and shamed. He had no status. No one thought Him a king.

Yet here we are a couple thousand years later, with much of the globe getting ready to celebrate His birth. All of this for good reason. No single life has impacted this world more than His. He changed our world more than any human being who ever lived. And it’s still happening. He’s still changing lives. This is Jesus, our Saviour, our Lord, our King.

Last night, I took in the last full rehearsal of “What Child Is This?,” our Christmas Eve service, and suddenly I can’t wait for Sunday night and Monday. We have extraordinarily gifted artists in our church, and I think you’re going to love what they have prepared...the music and visuals are incredible. Don’t hesitate to invite your co-workers, friends, and family to come with you. They’ll have fun, they’ll be moved, and they’ll leave marveling at Jesus and the impact of his life.

Christmas Eve services start on the 23rd @ 7 pm and are offered 3 times on the 24th - at 3, 5, & 7 pm. Regular weekend services will also be offered this Saturday @ 7 pm and Sunday morning @ 10:45 am. There will be no 9 am service this weekend or the next, so adjust your routines accordingly.

Merry Christmas! I look forward to seeing you this weekend,

Greg

Hi Church Family,

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “the coming.” This past weekend in our services, we lit our first advent candle, and Kevin reminded us to stir up a sense of expectation for what God might want to do as we celebrate Christ’s coming to earth. I was personally challenged by that. What am I expecting this Christmas? Do I believe that the One who humbly broke into the darkness of humanity wants to come and break into my life in new ways?

It’s easy to fall into survival mode at this time of year, but I’ve made a fresh commitment to ask Jesus to “rock my world” this Christmas. To open my eyes and ears and heart to the new things He wants to say through His story. If this resonates with you, I invite you to make this prayer part of your personal preparation for Advent.

Jesus, prepare me to reclaim your Good News again. Where my expectations have become low, make me the most expectant, faith-filled Advent worshipper ever. Have Your way in me this Christmas for the sake of your Kingdom. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Joy!
Pastor Rita