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A Tale of Three Advents
When you run a search for “advent” at Amazon.com, you’re likely to find lots of the 25-Days-of-Christmas type of countdown calendars. The one our family had when I was a kid had a Christmas tree, and each day the opening revealed a toy I sincerely hoped I would not be receiving at Christmas. (What would I do with a sled?)
The second type of advent references are those that point to the traditional calendar of the historical church. They mark the Four Sundays that precede Christmas, each focusing on those in the Bible who anticipated Christ’s birth. The idea is that this is a season about "Emmanuel, God with us" - not commercialism and calendar gridlock.
As it turns out, we use the word “advent” because it’s translated from the Greek word for Christ’s return, parousia. This third meaning may catch us off guard during this season of peppermint mochas and Linus’s reminder, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Yet Paul reminds us to comfort one another with the reminder of Christ’s return. After all, how bad can the end of suffering, strife and failed world systems be?
As you and your family celebrate the holidays, remember that it is the Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate each time we hear it sung: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” |
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Pastor Bob's Christmas series highlights a season of giving
If you get the "giving" part of Christmas right, everything else seems to fall in place. Maybe that's because it was God's started it. After all, it was his idea to make Christmas about giving his Son, Jesus, to all who receive his offer of eternal life. Pastor Bob's messages address "The Greatest Gift" 3 Sundays, Dec. 11, 18 & 25.
"A Festival of Christmas" is Dec. 18
Choirs and carols. Special music and the Nativity. Hot cider fellowship and a treat for each kid . It's a special Christmas celebration for the entire family. Share it with a friend!
One service on Dec. 13, 10:45 am. |
Christmas weekend services
With the December 25 falling on Sunday this year, our Sunday service schedule has been adjusted to accommodate your family's Chistmas celebrations.
On Christmas weekend there will be 2 identical services: one on Christmas Eve, 5-6 pm, and one on Christmas Day, 10:45 am.
Each will be a Candlelight & Communion service.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS NOTE - There will be no events at the church campus Dec. 21 & 28.
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| About Year-end Giving ...
God promises he will honor you if you honor him. Your regular tithing and special gifts assure that the ministries of San Diego First Assembly will not be curtailed, but will thrive and multiply efforts to reach San Diego with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
LAST DATES TO GIVE IN 2011 - Please note that in order for your giving to be credited to your 2011 giving goals, contributions must be received by December 31. The last Sunday offering of 2011 is Christmas Day, Dec. 25. |
