“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) Luke tells us that Mary brought forth her firstborn son and laid him in a feed trough because there was no room for them anywhere else.

No room in this little village in the middle of nowhere for a poor pregnant woman and her husband—a returning village son. And certainly, no room for the birth of this child to be born. We imagine “No Vacancy” signs everywhere, and a hard-hearted Inn Keeper, “there is a barn out back”. Author D.T. Niles says, “We satisfy ourselves by offering Him a stable, and hope that he will not come to be a permanent guest. But He comes. In our work, in our thoughts, in our plans, even in our prayers, there is only a stable for Him and yet He is there.”

The story of Christmas is the witness of a God who continues to search for people like Mary and Joseph, and me and you. Those who God’s new life, new hope, and new peace can be born within. The God we meet at the manger is the same God who never stops knocking on the closed doors of human lives in a relentless attempt to come in. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues the Christmas Story with a message from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-7 and we shout with joy—“Come On In”.

Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere!

Get in the Christmas spirit—And join us as Emerson Theater Collaborative presents “Christmas Thieves’” A Small-Town Radio play by Greg Oliver Bodine on (Final Weekend) December 13-15 in our Fellowship Hall. Tickets are available for all showtimes and dates in the SUMC Church office (928)282-1780 or on-line http://bit.ly/ETCHolidayFun. Directed by Brienne Reeder & Produced by Camilla Ross.

Mark your calendars! — Come and hear the wonderful sounds of the Cottonwood Community Band—Sunday December 22nd at 3PM in our beautiful sanctuary. “C’est Noel!” is French for “It Is Christmas” and this is the theme for this special festive concert. Come and enjoy themes from traditional carols, take a “Midnight Sleighride, watch “Shepherds Dance”, and “Stowaway on Santa’s Sleigh”. All are invited and welcomed!!!

At SUMC, we offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!