Preparing for Sunday, 12/15/13! (Christmas Worship Part 3)
Here we are in the midst of Christmastime, and it's a strange paradox to think about meeting with the people of God and rejoicing in our Savior while dealing with tragic memories on a day like December 14.
But if we're purposeful and right in our thinking about Christmas, this is exactly why we celebrate and observe this time. This is Advent - living between the two comings of Christ. We know that everything changed when Christ came and rescued his people from sin and death, but everything is not changed like it will be when he comes the second time. Everything is already changed, and everything is going to change. And we rejoice and sing carols and hymns of hope because we know our King is coming. Let's not get comfortable, and only want to celebrate a cutesy Christmas. Let's feel the brokenness of the world the way it is, and look forward in hope and joy and expectation for Jesus to come again and put it all to rights.
As we'll sing tomorrow,
"God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy!"
This is why we gather as a church - to help each other live with a deep joy and hope in our coming King. And we'll gather tomorrow, to hope together in Jesus.
Jordan has picked Matthew 1:18-2:12 for our Scripture reading tomorrow, as we continue our Christmas worship together.
Our singing will include the following songs. Warm up the vocal cords, and come prepared to lend your voice tomorrow!
1. Angels We Have Heard On High
2. Hark The Herald Angels Sing