Christmas is a time of anticipation and hope. We spend this whole month looking forward to Christmas Day--we decorate our homes, wrap presents, and listen to special music. In some ways, we might even say that the season leading up to Christmas Day is really what we look forward to every year rather than the day itself. Mary had a season of anticipation, hope, and preparation too as she had to prepare for the Lord's birth. This week we will look at the story of the Annunciation and learn why these times of anticipation are so important to us, and how we can use this Christmas season as a time to anticipate all of the blessings the Lord still has yet to give us.
The hymns and carols we sing around Christmas time can instantly move our hearts, remind us of a special memory, and fill us with a sweet sense of hope in the Lord!
Nativity Enactment (also known as the Christmas Tableaux). Costumed actors portray the Christmas story with Scripture readings, commentary, and live music. A beloved tradition, and a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
All are welcome to attend! Special music begins at about 5:45 PM.
No charge, donations are welcome at the door. Refreshments served afterward.
There will be no morning service on Sunday, December 17th
This is a "dessert & doctrine" class for adults, to be held in the Oak Arbor Church Cafe.
Come indulge your sweet tooth and your spiritual incisors, as we dig into an assortment of Christmas desserts and chew on the topic of hope in the Lord!
You may have heard the expression “Hope is a Rope” which means that hope is what we can hold onto through challenging times; but did you know that in the Lord’s Word, hope is literally a rope!? And wouldn’t ya know the process of rope-making can actually teach us a lot about why the Lord needed to be born into the world to give us true hope!
We will ask for RSVPs soon, at which time, you can let us know if you'd like to bring a dessert to share!
Candlelight, live music, hymns, and an uplifting Christmas message for everyone.
Those in attendance will receive a small gift. All are welcome!
There will be no morning service on Sunday, December 24th
Readings & reflections for adults. A simple service to celebrate the day.
"Then, [the wisemen] being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way." (Mat 2:12)
How easy is it to fall back into old patterns? Returning another way is a reminder that once we have found new life in us from the Lord, we must also begin a whole new life in the Lord, and not slip back into our old ways.