Good morning New Street Family,
Christmastime is Here/Medley is performed by guest pianist, Adam Booth and plays against the backdrop of pictures of New Street elves decorating the sanctuary, and crafts for the children in Wesley Hall.
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians.
During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.
Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the church calendar, the Christmas season lasts from sundown on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 6). This is sometimes referred to as "the 12 days of Christmas."
Source: "What is Advent?", by Dean McIntyre, retired director of music resources, Discipleship Ministries. http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-advent
All-Present One, may we find a sense of hope and anticipation in the midst of our current realities. In this season of Advent encourage and strengthen our faith, and give us eyes to see you! Amen. Amen.
“…I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land…” Jeremiah 33:15b (CEB)
In this season of Advent: May God give us hearts that are open to hope, feet that stand firm on God’s promises, eyes that are alert to the ways Christ comes among us, and hands that are ready to work for God’s kingdom. In the name of Jesus, our coming king we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Dee-Ann Dixon
New Street United Methodist Church | Shepherdstown Church
Online Worship Service | Rev. Dee-Ann Dixon
https://newstreetumc.com
Good morning New Street Family,
Today is Christ the King Sunday and Thanks Giving Sunday. While there is no formal sermon today, please take the time to reflect on the blessings we have received from God as we hear musical selections excellently performed by our New Street UMC Chancel Choir. They sing "God's Presence", "Thanksgiving Prayer" and "Celtic Laud" which features flutist, Beth Brennan. Our frequent guest pianist, Adam Booth performs a medley entitled "It is Well with My Soul".
Extravagant, God, generous giver of all good things, just as you brought the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey – a land where they could be free from bondage and oppression, you have brought us into this good land – a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and corn, of fertile plains, and majestic mountains. We give you thanks: for the bounty that fills our tables, for the water that satisfies our thirst, for the beauty of this land where we are free to worship you in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ. Amen.
“Then Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the LORD. My strength rises up in the LORD! My mouth mocks my enemies because I rejoice in your deliverance. No one is holy like the LORD – no, no one except you! There is no rock like our God!”(CEB)
Let us give thanks to God in all that we do, for all that we have, for every moment of our lives. God provides us with every blessing, so that we may share it abundantly with all the world. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Dee-Ann Dixon
New Street United Methodist Church | Shepherdstown Church
Online Worship Service | Rev. Dee-Ann Dixon
https://newstreetumc.com