Advent Season is here, and we wait with anticipation for the coming of Christ—and Christmas! We wait for Christ’s continual coming in our lives in each moment, we wait for his coming once again to make all things new and right, and we wait in remembrance, worship, and reflection upon his coming into the world 2,000 years ago in the person of Jesus.
That event—God becoming human—has a particular name in the Christian tradition: the Incarnation. John 1:14 states: “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and lived among us.” I think Eugene Peterson’s The Message translation says it in a particularly poetic way: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” God became flesh, moved in and lived among us, and we (humans) got to see God—for in seeing Jesus, we learn even more what God is like.
During Advent season, I don’t think that we can overstate what a big deal it is that God became flesh and lived with us. So much of God’s saving work for us and of how we understand worship as Christians comes from this uniquely Christian idea: that divinity and humanity come together in the person of Jesus. God loved us so much that God chose to become human in order to break through to us and save us. It empowers all of the saving work that Jesus did, for it is no longer just a human doing these things, but God doing them personally in Jesus.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, one of my hopes is that we spend time resting in the awe and wonder of our God who brought together God’s space and human space in the person of Jesus. May the Incarnation be in our hearts, minds, and prayers this season.
I love each of you and pray for God’s best for you in the coming weeks!
In Christ,
Bobby Kirkpatrick
Christmas Carol Hayride
Join us tonight at 5:00 PM for an evening of caroling and Christmas. We will meet in the Coffee Café for pizza and then load up for a hayride through Friendswood. We will carol to the elderly spreading Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear. There will be a final stop at the Brown House Museum to join in their Christmas Tree Lighting. We hope you plan to join us as we sing and laugh on the Christmas Carol Hayride.
Women’s Ministry
Cookie Exchange
Ladies, join us tomorrow, Wednesday, December 6 from 6-8 PM at 412 Fieldcreek Dr. for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to share and you will leave with two tins of mixed cookies, one for you and one to share. Please contact Kody Shepherd to RSVP.
Advent Bible Study
An online Advent Bible study group is connecting on Facebook as a way to stay focused on the good news of the season and journey together through The Savior’s Story. Follow the Facebook link and click the blue “join group” button to be added to the private group. Contact Kody Shepherd if you need help getting plugged in with this online Advent Bible Study.
Choir
The choir held its first rehearsal for the December 17 performance, but it’s not too late to jump in. We would especially love any male vocalist who would like to participate to feel welcome. The next rehearsal is December 10 at 5:00 pm. We would love for you to join us. Contact Bobby Kirkpatrick if you have questions or would like more information.
Children’s Church Choir
Ms. Tena is excited for the children to sing during the Worship Service on December 17. She and Deborah Morris will continue rehearsing with the kids during Children’s Church.
Special Holiday Service Times
Christmas Eve Services
Sunday, December 24, join us for Worship Service at 10:00 AM. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning. Then, plan on celebrating with us that evening at the traditional Candlelight Service at 6:00 PM.
New Year’s Eve Services
Sunday, December 31, join us for Worship Service at 10:00 AM. There will be no Sunday School classes that morning. Then join us that evening for a come-and-go prayer time and communion in the Chapel from 6:00-7:00 PM.
Visit the website for a complete list of all Holiday Worship Times.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10