“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, 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 lives in a relentless attempt to come in. The question for all of us is—”Will We Make Room for Him?” Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues the Christmas/Advent Story with this message from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-7.
Immediately following worship, you are invited to stay and join us for our very special “Annual 12 Soups of Christmas” in our Fellowship Hall featuring delicious homemade soups, goodies and snacks, beverages, and always great hot coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming congregation & fellowship time anywhere!
At 1PM on Sunday (12/18) in our sanctuary, all are invited to the “Sounds of the Season”—Piano on the Rocks Holiday Concert featuring Sandrine Erdely-Sayo, on Piano playing Bach, Massenet, Ravel, Tchaikovsky and … many of your favorite Holiday Carols. With special guest Madeleine Hehn and 9 year old Camilla Esquire. Come join us and sing along—This is a FREE Event for all ages!
Save the date for our two Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve services, Saturday December 24th at 4PM or 6PM. Join us for an amazing evening of your favorite Christmas Carols, Candle lighting and the Christmas story told through the voice of the scriptures. All are welcome—Family friendly—Come and welcome the Christ Child!
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s join us @ 1:30 pm for a bible study at The Gathering Place in West Sedona; and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Call our office for additional details.
Visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. 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 United Methodist—Come and join this growing faith family! Invite, pick-up, and bring your friends and family.
