Blue Christmas

kris

Not everyone feels cheery around Christmastime. Those facing a loss – such as the absence of a loved one, divorce or separation, financial misfortune, health crisis, or another painful experience – can feel burdened by the joyfulness of the Christmas season. After the year we’ve been through, we all need a little comfort and consolation. Our Blue Christmas event is a quiet, contemplative service designed to encourage everyone to seek — and share — the hope and healing found through Jesus Christ. This service can be especially meaningful for anyone who is missing a loved one or experiencing other pain …

The Wonder of a Manger

Pastor Craig Carter Several weeks ago my wife, Lee, asked, “Where should I put Jesus?” That may seem like an odd question so let me provide a little context. We were putting out the Christmas decorations (or should I say, she was putting out the Christmas decorations). One of our cherished items is a figurine of the Christ-child. Lee’s mom had one that she placed beneath her tree each year. We searched for a similar one for years, but to no avail. Finally, we found one during our trip to the Middle East two years ago, in a Bethlehem shop …

The Wonder of the Angels

Pastor Craig Carter During this Advent season we’re exploring “The Wonder of Christmas.” A wonder is defined as “a sense of awe, admiration, or amazement.” The greatest wonder of Christmas is that it demonstrates the amazing love of God. Because of Christ’s birth, we no longer have to question God’s love for us. It was demonstrated in a tangible way when God’s Son, Jesus came and lived among us. Most of the elements of the Nativity story are fairly ordinary and don’t evoke a great deal of wonder or amazement at first appearance. Last week when we studied “the wonder …