A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: A VERY SPECIAL SUNDAY
Christmas is almost here! The busyness of the season is in full swing, I know, and that is certainly the case here at First Pres over the next few days. But in the midst of that busyness, I hope that you will both seek and find time for reflection, celebration, and simply “being” with others rather than being swallowed by all the “doing” that tends to happen at this time of year.
This Sunday is unusual in that it is both the fourth and final Sunday 
of Advent AND Christmas Eve! So we have decided to make sure that both of those dynamics are observed this coming Sunday. I have found Advent to be a particularly meaningful season this year, and so I encourage you not to skip past the final Sunday of Advent to get to Christmas Eve faster.
The season of Advent is all about waiting for the arrival not simply of Christmas, but for the return of Christ and the full and final redemption of this world from all its brokenness and death. As war and violence and hatred continue to rage unchecked in the very land that we call “Holy” because of Christ’s birth, life, and ministry there, the promise of Christ’s return to fully establish God’s reign of justice and peace feels especially urgent. Therefore, we will be having a Combined Worship Service at the special time of 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary this Sunday to be sure to complete our observance of Advent.
After worship on Sunday morning, though, we begin moving into Christmas. That begins on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. with our annual Intergenerational Candlelight Service. This service is intentional about including elements throughout the service that are accessible and meaningful for people of all ages, so it is an ideal service for bringing children or grandchildren to worship.
At 7 p.m., we will offer our Traditional Candlelight Service, to which children and grandchildren are certainly welcome, but which follows the traditional pattern of Lessons and Carols. The same brief sermon will be preached at both services, and both services will conclude with candlelight singing of “Silent Night.”
I look forward to being in worship with you this Sunday, whether in person or online. If you are traveling, know that you are in our prayers as you do so, and I hope it is a merry and blessed Christmas for you wherever you may be!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.