“He came to get messy.”
His Glory in the Highest ran down to meet us at our lowest.
Galatians 4: 4-7, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
Jesus came to us as a baby born in a barn, not in a palace or a sterile hospital. This theme this Advent season reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made by humbling himself to become one of us. It was a barn, a stable. So you’ve got animals and animal…stuff, manure and mud. A pitiful place for people, much less the King of Kings, to be born. Why would God do that? You see, Jesus came to a messy place. A barn, well, yes that’s messy. But he came to a messy world. Why? Because the shepherd was coming to take care of his sheep and to prepare a way for his sheep to go home. That’s what a shepherd does. He lives where the sheep are, he sleeps where they sleep and he eats where they eat. That got Jesus in trouble. Why did Jesus eat with the sinners? Because that’s what a shepherd does. You see being a servant is messy and Jesus set this incredible example for us. I mean, he got down on his knees and he washed feet. The God of the universe, the God who deserved the best of everything got on his knees. He’s the God who came to the world and was laid in a manger, a feed trough of all places. Why such a messy place? Because he was following a messy plan.
So needless to say that very first Christmas was dirty…it was grimy…it was filthy. But thank God it was, because without it what a mess we’d be in!
Advent Services:
November 24, December 5, 12, 19, 26. Join us each Sunday at 9:30AM for special Sunday services that bring this concept to life. Jesus came to us as a baby born in a barn, not in a palace or a sterile hospital. This theme this Advent season reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made out of love for us to forgive us of our sins. This sermon series is a challenge to extend the forgiveness God has shown us to others.
Women’s Ministry Christmas Decorating Party
Sunday, November 28 @ 11:00AM:
Women’s Ministry Christmas Decorating Party following Sunday service. Join the women directly after church and. We will have a great time decorating the church for Christmas. If you like trimming the tree and decking the halls, please join us for a fun filled afternoon.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 19 @ 9:30AM:
Come and watch as our delightful /children reenact the Christmas Story in their own moving (and sometimes comical) way.
Christmas Eve-4:00PM:
A traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Wonderful music and inspiring readings. Experience the dark waiting of the world trapped in sin and suffering. And then, a light enters the world, the small light of the baby Jesus. Rejoice as His birth opens our way back to God and His heart. During the service, the children are invited to come up to the Giving Tree and receive a special gift! Doors open at 3PM.. Please arrive early for seating.
Christmas Blessing:
Every year at Messiah, we bless families who need some extra help during the Christmas season. On November 21st, there will be a list of needs in the foyer. Please be in prayer and ask the Lord how you might be able to help a family in need. This is a great way to share the precious love of Jesus with someone this Christmas season.
Invite your family & friends to join you for church in person or online this season!
People who do not normally attend church, will come to church during the Christmas season. We have a variety of services and gatherings during this season, so please make an intentional effort to invite people to come to church with you!
Parents of children:
The children will be performing in the Children’s Christmas Pageant on December 19 during the morning service. All of the practices will be during Sunday School each week beginning November 21st. On December 19, please have your child arrive at church at 9:00AM and report to the children’s ministry gathering spot in the Fellowship Hall. Please call the church office for more information regarding costuming and any other questions.