Hope for the Lost

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light!”  These words were written by the prophet Isaiah thousands of years ago foretelling the coming of Jesus hundreds of years before Jesus was actually born.  John says with certainty: “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”  And Jesus himself said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  Make no mistake:  Jesus is the Light of the world that pierces the darkness!

Perhaps you have felt the darkness of this world in your life lately.  The nights are long and cold at this time of year.  Our hearts can also grow cold and bitter.  Life can be brutal and even depressing at times.  Sins and addictions can lead us down dark paths.  Pain and grief diminish our joy and light.  Yet, the Good News is:  Jesus is coming into this world to bring light, life, warmth, and to show us the brighter way to abundant life in God’s Kingdom.  This is a message we all need to hear over and over again!

Join us this Saturday evening at 6:00 PM for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  We conclude our Living Hope Advent sermon series with a powerful message entitled, “Hope for the Lost.”  We’ll sing some favorite Christmas carols, hear a musical solo, and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight to conclude our service.  A nursery space and Busy Bags will be available for children.  The service will also be recorded and posted online later in the evening.  Please join us and let the light of Jesus shine on you!

As we’ll be worshipping together Christmas Eve, we will not have a Sunday morning worship service on Christmas Day.  This gives you a chance to enjoy your own time and devotions as a family.  You’ll find some announcements in Saturday’s bulletin.  And, Sunday morning offerings can be given Saturday evening, or simply mailed to the church next week.  Checks written and dated in December will be credited to your 2022 giving.  Thank you for your generosity and may God bless you with a very Merry Christmas!