Author C.S. Lewis shares an experience his brother had one Christmas season while he was travelling in England and riding on a big English double-decker bus. They passed by a church with a manger scene out in front when he overheard an English lady who was on the bus with him exclaim: “’Lor’, they’re dragging religion into everything these days: look, they’re even dragging it into Christmas now!”
The true meaning of Christmas is all about what God did for us in Jesus Christ, that precious baby in the manger. What did He come to do? We get the answer in our passage from Matthew 1:21, where the angel said to Joseph: “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus (or “Yeshua” which means “Yahweh is salvation”) , for He will save His people from their sins.”—So in calling the baby “Jesus” they were saying that God was saving His people through Him. The angel proclaimed that He would save His people “from their sins.”
Sin separates us from God and sin enslaves us in its power. But when Jesus came “to save His people from their sins”, these things were reversed! Join us this Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast delivers an Advent message entitled “Jesus Saves”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. We look forward to seeing you!
As we strive to keep our congregation and community safe and healthy, we will observe physical distancing and limited seating worship so visit our website or call our church office to reserve your seat for worship. We will continue to also offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week—You are invited to access worship or information through our website (www.sedonaumc.org) or by calling the church office (928-282-1780).
ALL are invited to join in our Advent Study entitled, “The Wonder of Christmas” exploring the lives of people who witnessed the miracle of the Incarnation, reflect on their stories, and become witnesses with them to the one true light that will never be overcome. Starting December 1st – 22nd, we will meet at 10:30am on Zoom. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer so many great missions, ministries and study opportunities 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—We look forward to seeing you!—Come and grow with us!
