For Love to be Born – Advent 2018 at Antioch United Methodist Church
Advent, which means "coming" or "arrival," is a time of preparation, not only for the birth of Christ—his first coming, but also for the second coming of Christ, both of which are celebrations of God's love, grace-filled judgment, and mercy.
So, in these four weeks prior to Christmas, we prepare for the coming of Christ.
Our culture sends out lots of messages about how these days should look—most of them to do with consumption, buying stuff (whether we have the money or not), neon lights and tra la la.
The Church has a different message. Get ready, Christ is coming. Be prepared for the glorious inbreaking of God into our world through focused attention on God and our Spiritual lives, worship and service. Live into light, hope, peace, and joy in these dark days by reaching out to others—especially the poor and hungry—living simply and trusting that God will fulfill God’s promises.
Here are some ways through our Church to prepare for the coming of Christ:
I pray that we will experience anew the joy, love, peace and hope of God through God’s gift of Jesus Christ this Advent and Christmas. I pray that we will understand anew the parts we have to play for love to be born!
Advent, which means "coming" or "arrival," is a time of preparation, not only for the birth of Christ—his first coming, but also for the second coming of Christ, both of which are celebrations of God's love, grace-filled judgment, and mercy.
So, in these four weeks prior to Christmas, we prepare for the coming of Christ.
Our culture sends out lots of messages about how these days should look—most of them to do with consumption, buying stuff (whether we have the money or not), neon lights and tra la la.
The Church has a different message. Get ready, Christ is coming. Be prepared for the glorious inbreaking of God into our world through focused attention on God and our Spiritual lives, worship and service. Live into light, hope, peace, and joy in these dark days by reaching out to others—especially the poor and hungry—living simply and trusting that God will fulfill God’s promises.
Here are some ways through our Church to prepare for the coming of Christ:
- Daily Advent Devotions – throughout Advent: We are using a Devotional Guide from the Society of St. Andrew (SOSA). Our Communion offering on Christmas Eve and a special offering on December 30 will go toward SOSA, a ministry which helps feed hungry people.
- Project Transformation Angel Tree – If you would like to gift a child from our PT After School Program with a Christmas blessing, there is a tree in the Narthex with “angels” which will list one of our PT kids and some info about each child. There will be a party with the kids on Wednesday, December 12 at 4:00 PM. If you take an “angel” you are invited!
- Reverse Advent Calendar – see info on other side
- A Special Musical Offering during worship on Sunday December 16th by our Choir, musicians and guests! We will be blessed with a wonderful service of music and telling the Christmas story in song.
- Christmas Eve Worship, December 24, 5:00 PM. – We’ll share in the story of Christ’s birth in word and song, celebrate Holy Communion and light candles in honor of World’s True Light, Jesus Christ!
I pray that we will experience anew the joy, love, peace and hope of God through God’s gift of Jesus Christ this Advent and Christmas. I pray that we will understand anew the parts we have to play for love to be born!
For Love to be born -- advent and christmas at Antioch umc
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Antioch United Methodist Church ...
o Loving God o Serving Neighbor o Growing in Christ |
Project Transformation News:
o Applications for After School Program available in Church Office (T-F, 9 - 12) Program for rising 1st through 8th Graders 
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Sunday Schedule Small Groups 9:30 a.m. English Worship 10:30 a.m. Ethiopian Worship in Amharic - 10:30 a.m. New Vision Nepali 1:00 p.m. Scouts 4 p.m. Wednesday Schedule Small Groups 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir 7:00 p.m. |
