“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 few short days away. We have waited almost a year for it. 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. 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 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 God with us—no Christ—no Salvation. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues an Advent sermon series “Journey to Bethlehem” in a message entitled, “Because of Christmas”. And as a special part of our worship service our Children’s Ministry and Caring Lay Ministry Team will present “A Nativity Pageant”.
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.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Magical Christmas Eve Service on Monday December 24th at 6PM. Our service will feature Lessons, Carols, Candlelight, and Holy Communion and will feature a Brass Quintet from the Cottonwood Community Band. Nursery Care will be provided and a special “Children’s Time” be a part of the service. Come, and experience again the birth of “The Christ Child” who came bringing God’s ultimate gift to all of creation. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We also offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9a.m. and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. 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!
