“On this first Sunday of Advent, Lord, our hearts turn to your most precious gift, Jesus Christ. Help us eagerly anticipate his coming."
Advent, which means “the coming,” is the season of the church year when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
In anticipation of Christmas, many decorate their homes and their churches.
One symbol used is the Advent Wreath (pictured above). The five candles on the circle of evergreen symbolize that Jesus is the Light of the World — He brings light and life to a dark world. On each of the four Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit. As the light grows brighter, so do our hope and joy.
Each of the five candles stands for different aspects of the coming of Christ. Each Sunday a different family will light a candle to help us focus on a specific meaning of Christ.
Preparing for Christmas at church and home is a joyful tradition that draws family members closer to God and each other.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22
Steve ran into John while shopping at the mall the other day in front of one of the jewelry stores. Noticing a conspicuously small gift wrapped box in his hand, Steve asked if it was a gift for his wife Martha.
John told Steve, "With Christmas coming up, I asked Martha what she wanted and she said, "Oh, I don't know just give me something with lots of diamonds in it.
"So what did you get her?" Steve asked.
John smiled with his reply, "I bought her a deck of poker cards."
News and Events.
Children Bible Quiz Study is today at 5:30 p.m. with Mandy and Vicky.
Mandy's Mission Study with the children meets each Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.
All pray-ers gather this Monday 8:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary and pray for your requests.
Small group discipleship is each Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Praise team practice at 7:00 p.m.
Men's Prayer Breakfast is next Saturday December 4th beginning at 8:00 a.m. We meet to pray in the church then fellowship around eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy.
Hagerstown Christmas Shop on Perry Street is now open for the season. See Carol Bullock for more info. She has some great buys.
WEF+ stands for World Evangelism Fund Plus. From its founding the Church of the Nazarene to the present has always taken serious the words of Jesus to go into all the nations to make Christ-like disciples. We support our missionaries with our prayers and finances.
Due to the present economic times funds for missions have been more of a challenge.
Our goal is for everyone to give $10 per person for a Thanksgiving Offering. So far we rejoice to have received $580 towards our goal of $700. This money will go directly to missions to help make-up an anticipated $6 million shortfall. Let's experience God's Word: "Live generously and graciously toward others the way God lives toward you" (Matthew 5:48).
The repair of our church waterline was $4,171. Thank you for giving so far $2,503 toward the cost of the project. Mark your gift "waterline."
Christmas Day will soon be here. Our church with other organizations is helping so that every family may have a joyous Christmas. Please check the list for items you wish to buy for the families our church is responsible.
Operation Christmas Child needs help in preparing the millions of shoe box gifts. Dr. Greg Hellwarth is taking a team on Dec. 7, to Charlotte, NC, and returning on Dec. 10. See Pastor for more info.
Hagerstown Faith Housing has one and two bedroom apartments with limited rental assistance for those who qualify. Appliances, weekly trash service, and central air provided. Phone Floyd Sanders, 489-4898.
Church Calendar:
Sun. Nov. 28: First Sunday of Advent
Mon. Nov. 29: Financial Peace University, 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 3: Hagerstown Hometown Christmas Begins
Sat. Dec. 4: Men's Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
Ladies Day to Edinburg Shopping Mall
Sun. Dec. 5: Church Board, 'eat & meet'
Fri. Dec. 17: Amazing Angels Christmas Program
Sun. Dec. 19: Children's Christmas Program
Tue. Dec. 21: Community Service of Hope and Remembrance, 7:00 p.m.
Thu. Dec. 23: Christmas Caroling
Fri. Dec. 24: Family Christmas Communions
Sat. Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Wed. Dec. 29: NYI District Teen Holiday Event
Fri. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Service
Sat. Jan. 1: New Year's Day
