“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:11] Christmas is just a day away. We have waited. It seemed like it would never get here—and NOW it’s coming way too fast! It’s not easy to forget Christmas, VISA keeps reminding you for months to come! BUT—what if there hadn’t been that FIRST Christmas? Have you ever thought about that? What if there had never been a Christmas? What if Jesus had never been born? What if God was still waiting to send humankind the Savior of the World?
Aren’t you glad we’ve had over 2000 Christmas’! There was 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament—between Malachi & Matthew. There were no prophecies, no scripture was written, heaven seemed silent. God was preparing the earth for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. God was preparing the earth so that when Jesus came, the Gospel would be spread throughout the whole world. God spent the “silent” 400 years preparing history for the birth of Jesus.
So, what would be missing if there was no Christmas? When you reflect on this thought you quickly discover would be missing would be just about every good thing you can think of in your life! What if there was no Christmas, what would we be missing in life? No Emmanuel, God with us—No Christ, No Salvation—No Hope or Love or Joy or Peace. And might we say no Light—only Darkness!
Join us also on Sunday morning, December 26th for a service of carols, prayer, and reflections for the upcoming year. Pastor Fred will offer a message entitled, “Because of Christmas”. Come as you are and help us keep the Light of (Christ)mas burning bright!
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 featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always welcoming friendship.
We also offer a number of book and bible studies: Tuesday’s our Group Study at the Gathering Place in West Sedona at 1:45PM will resume January 11th and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. at the church will resume January 20th with the study “Armor of God”. Call for more information on upcoming studies in the New Year.
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—Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year!
