Many know the story of Jesus growing up in the small village of Nazareth. Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Can you imagine? You’ve grown up with this guy. You took woodshop together at school. He’s the son of Joseph and Mary—Just regular townspeople. After thirty-something years
This week at Sedona United Methodist Church we celebrate the festival of the Baptism of Our Lord—Each year this Holy Gospel reading brings us the account of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan at the start of his earthly ministry. This year we hear the account from the 3rd Chapter in the Gospel of Matthew— “At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be
We sing, “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” God came toward us as the greatest gift of love to both redeem and to save us making a way that we can be reconciled to Him and have eternal life through Jesus. This gift, Jesus Christ, is offered in God’s grace regardless of our doubts and insecurities. Nothing is impossible with God! The question is, did we
We hope you will join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas. Sedona United Methodist Church will have Christmas Eve services at 4pm & 6pm. Carols, scriptures and candlelight. 110 Indian Cliffs Road, off SR 179 at Back O'Beyond in Sedona. www.sedonaumc.org
Since this Christmas season began, one word has likely been spoken from our lips more than any other. I don't think it's the word hope or love or joy or even peace. It’s not carol or a tree or our favorite food—I think it's the word “gift”. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:11] Christmas is just
“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
“We love because He loved us first”—1 John 4:19 At Christmas, one of the things that should distinguish a Christ follower is a love that reaches out to the marginalized and the forgotten. Such giving is an act of true worship. For Jesus this is personal. Reading the Christmas narrative, we remember that the Son of God chose to be born into a family of very little means—Nobody could have expected the
Advent resonates deeply with people of various backgrounds and economic realities. But many have grown weary of the holiday ad campaigns that seem to start sometime around 4th of July and last until Christmas Eve. It has almost become a wearisome as political campaign season. Kids struggle to find the connection between their Christmas wish list and the story of Jesus’ birth. Parents search for the Hope, Love, Joy, and
For many of us, the time of year when focusing on Christ should be the easiest, is often times the most difficult. Our calendars are full of activities, the to-do lists are getting longer, the stores are getting busier, and an overwhelming stress has creeped into our hearts. So how do we get back to the heart of the Christmas narrative? —For starters, WORSHIP. We believe that when our hearts are
