We had to reschedule the Children’s Live Nativity to Sunday night due to severe weather alerts. They did a wonderful job! Let me say that much of what is typically portrayed in the modern manger scene is just a summary of the events of Jesus’ birth. From Matthew’s account of the Magi, we can clearly see that they would not have been at the manger with the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. Their arrival would have been much later, probably when Jesus was more than a year old. Also, if the stable was filled with angels, they likely were unseen. The modern rendition takes the Gospel accounts of the angels who appeared to the shepherds in the field; the shepherds’ visit to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus; Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus; the manger in the stable (along with the animals that would likely have been in the stable); the Magi (wise men) who arrived much later; and even the star that guided the Magi – all combined in one scene that serves as composite of the story of the birth of Christ. They all might not have been there together in the stable that night, but they all have an important place in the story. And what a story it is: When God became a man and came down to earth to live among His people! Thank you to Mendy & Josh Miltier, Lori Replogle, all the adult “livestock” wranglers, the Kitchen Krew, and Aiden Miltier (narrator)! And thank you to everyone who came. All of you had an important part in these children re-telling this wonderful story!

 

Please allow me to remind you that there will be no adult or children activities or services here for the next 2 Wednesday nights (Dec. 21 & Dec. 28). However, the youth Christmas Party was rescheduled to this Wednesday night because of the bad weather last week.

 

Our Christmas Eve Service will be at 6:00pm Saturday. We will observe the Lord’s Supper. Then, on Christmas, we will have one worship service at 10:30 with no Sunday School. Also note that we will follow the same schedule for New Year’s Day: One service at 10:30 with no Sunday School.

 

Finally, our gym contractor has asked that we refrain from going into the construction area where the metal structure is being assembled, temporarily. At this point, the pieces are being loosely fitted together and pose a risk. We will let you know when it is safe to look around and take pictures.