What would it be like for you to re-evaluate your Christmas perspective? Herod was intimidated by the birth of the Messiah while the religious leaders were indifferent. But the Magi — a group of foreigners — embraced the birth of Jesus. They uprooted their lives, traveled a great distance, and worshiped the new born King of the Jews even though they didn’t fully understand the significance of His birth. Listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, they simply took the next step that they knew was right.
It is Advent—Christmas time! I love this time of year. The decorations, the music, the smell of the Christmas tree, the many gatherings, and the merriment are my favorites. In a year of pandemic (2020), it is easy to forget what normal feels like. Perhaps things are a little muted this year especially because of the limits due to the Covid virus. However, I think this current situation creates the right environment for one to really understand what many felt in the 1st Century. Things were bleak, a world full of oppression and despair, and there was a deep longing for change. They longed for deliverance. They longed for the promised Messiah, the anointed savior.
Think of the lyrics of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
As you prepare for Christmas, use your current situation to embrace a greater understanding of the coming Christ. Just because there are limits to the normal doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from them. From longing and despair can come great rejoicing and praise.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – 2 Corinthians 1
Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 2
Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 3
Thursday – 2 Corinthians 4
Friday – 2 Corinthians 5
Please Pray for:
Families in crisis.
Friends and family members battling illness.
Those seeking to find their way.
The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
The United Methodist Church family.
Our leaders, our country, and our world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
Prelude: “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Jeanne Martz, Flute)
Welcome / Announcements / Prayer with Lord’s Prayer (Grace Bailey)
Hymn: “Angel From The Realms of Glory” (Hymn 220)
Apostles’ Creed (Wyatt Detrick)
Special Music: “Behold the Lamb” (Eric Jones, Sarah Teel, Jay Davis, & Connor Davis)
Reading of Scripture (Jackson and Charley Steers)
Children Sermon (Sally Key Bowden)
Anthem: “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Wayne and Jeanne Martz)
Sermon: “Can’t Be Silent” (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)
Hymn: “What Child Is This” (Hymn 219)
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Benediction (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)
Postlude: “Low, How a Rose” (Jeanne Martz, Flute)
Prelude: “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Jeanne Martz, Flute) Welcome / Announcements / Prayer with Lord’s Prayer (Grace Bailey) Hymn: “Angel From The Realms of Glory” (Hymn 220) Apostles’ Creed (Wyatt Detrick) Special Music: “Behold the Lamb” (Eric Jones, Sarah Teel, Jay Davis, & Connor Davis) Reading of Scripture (Jackson and Charley Steers) Children Sermon (Sally Key Bowden) Anthem: “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Wayne and Jeanne Martz) Sermon: “Can’t Be Silent” (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green) Hymn: “What Child Is This” (Hymn 219) The Sacrament of Holy Communion Benediction (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green) Postlude: “Low, How a Rose” (Jeanne Martz, Flute)
Christmas Eve Services will look a little different this year. There will be four services. Three will be outside (noon, 2pm, and 4pm) and one will be inside (6pm). Because of limited space and social distancing, we are taking reservations for the service inside at 6:00PM so that we keep everyone safe. To accommodate as many people as possible, you can worship in the Sanctuary or several other locations via live simulcast. Each location has a limited amount of space and will fill up on a first come-first serve basis.
Reserve a spot for you and your family and choose the location that you prefer.
No reservations are needed for the outdoor services in our Quad which will be at noon, 2pm, and 4pm. We will also live stream the 6pm service at https://live.spumccolumbus.com and on the telephone at (205) 825-9484.
