Image: Fourth Week of Advent “The Candle of Peace”
Welcome
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Image: “The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds” 1634 by Rembrandt
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,”
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14 ESV
Advent Reading “The Candle of Peace”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. – Isaiah 9:6–7
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace. – Micah 5:2, 4–5
And the angel said to them,
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy
that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
– Luke 2:10–14
^Video by Inspirational>1…
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” 1849 by Edmund H. Sears
Image: 50th Annual Christmas Concert
^Video by Inspirational>1…
“50th Annual Christmas Concert” Online Premiere at 7:00 PM EST
PASTOR TO PEOPLE
“That was amazing! We’re so glad we came!”
That’s what our neighbors told us last Sunday after the Christmas Concert. They then proceeded to text our Sandburg neighborhood group about how awesome the concert was and how everyone needed to make sure to come next year. How amazing is that?!?
It’s even more amazing because they’d never stepped foot in a church before. Coming was quite outside their comfort zone, but when we invited them, they were gutsy enough to say yes. They enjoyed the music and found the message thought-provoking. We can’t wait to invite them again to The Moody Church.
It’s wonderful to have such an easy invite. The Christmas Concert is a world-class celebration of the coming of Jesus. The music selection, orchestration, choral pieces, direction, sound, lighting, and decor are simply marvelous. What a gift we have to be able to use this tool for the sake of the gospel! We’re already praying about next year and how we can invite our entire neighborhood group.
Speaking of the gospel, you’ll be delighted to know that we gave out 1,000 copies of the Gospel of John 21-Day Challenge. Toward the end, I’m told we actually ran out and people were bartering chocolates for their own copy! Let’s be praying that the Word of God gets planted deeply and that we’ll have opportunity to follow up and celebrate the joy of changed lives in Jesus.
Today we welcome our Children’s Chorus as they lead us in worship through It All Happened in the Country. As a multi- generational church we’re delighted to celebrate what God is doing in the lives of these kids and look forward to the encouragement they will bring to our hearts this morning.
Remember to join us Friday at 6:00pm for our unforgettable Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (this is another easy invite opportunity!).
Remember, Christmas means we’re loved, more than we know!
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