Rejoice!

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” 
- O Holy Night

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy. We wish each other “Merry Christmas.” We sing songs like “Joy to the World.” But the hardships of life don’t go away just because it’s December. Sometimes they get worse. So where does this joy come from? Is it possible to be truly joyful when there is so much pain in the world?

The story of Christmas is the story of a Savior entering a broken world with hope. It’s that Savior and that hope that causes even this weary world to rejoice. So we can sing with Mary “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Join us on Christmas Eve as we celebrate the joy we have in Jesus. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 followed by a service of carols, readings, and a brief message celebrating the reason we have to rejoice. All are welcome. 

ADVENT RESOURCES

Advent comes from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival.” The Advent season is the time when the church remembers the coming of the Son of God and anticipates his coming again. It’s a time of expectation, yearning, and hope. Use these resources to deepen your own remembering and yearning for Christ this Advent season. 

Come Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul Tripp
This book will help you slow down during the busy Christmas season and focus on what matters most: adoring our Savior, Jesus. At the end of each devotion is a section for parents and children, featuring one central theme from the Christmas story, discussion prompts, and related verses. Available in the church bookstore. 

Good News of Great Joy: 25 Advent Devotions by John Piper
Daily meditations on the love of God at Christmas. Available for free online in several formats.