Wow, that was quite a snow we had last Saturday. My good buddy Ed measured it and told me we had 9 inches on the ground. I was sure hardly anyone would be in church. But you always surprise me. It was still a light crowd compared to our regular attendance but there were more than I thought would come.

 

Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent. And one of the things I love on that day is singing Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. For countless Christians around the world, that hymn signals the beginning of Advent.

 

While we sang this beautiful hymn, we came forward onto the chancel, hanging Christmas ornaments on the Christmas Tree. For Christians the evergreen tree represents eternal life, a reflection of Jesus’s promise of everlasting life. Lights and ornaments symbolize Christ who came as the light of the world.

 

Charles Wesley wrote "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" in 1744 to capture the hopeful anticipation of Christ's birth and his coming again. He was inspired by the Old Testament passage Haggai 2:7 which speaks of God filling a future temple with glory.

 

He was motivated by the widespread social problems in England, such as the mistreatment of orphaned children and the divisions caused by social class, which made the need for hope more acute. He wanted the hymn to be a prayer for people to remember the meaning of Advent and Christmas by expressing hope in a time of hardship in England.

 

Wesley wanted this hymn to serve as both a celebration of Jesus's first coming and the hopeful anticipation for Christ’s return. And it continues to speak to us today.

 

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,

Born to set thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth thou art;

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

 

Yours in the journey,

Pastor Kristen

 

Announcements:

 

Our Giving Tree will be up till December 14th and that is next weekend. Please don’t forget to bring unwrapped gifts of mittens, scarfs, warm winter hats, etc. for the Giving Tree in the narthex. We also collecting unwrapped new toys for the Jones Center. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Deadline is December 14th, next weekend.

 

Next weekend is also the deadline to put in your poinsettias order. It’s $9.50 per plant and is available in pink, red, or white. Order forms are available on the wooden table, near the entrance of the Sanctuary.

 

On this Saturday, December 6th in the narthex will be many crafters for our Annual Craft Fair. It's the perfect opportunity to purchase a special one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a loved one. Craft Fair is from 9-3, in the narthex, at 1321 Main Street.

 

This Sunday, December 07th, beginning at 3p is our Annual Sing-along Concert. An hour-long program of festive music followed by light refreshments. A freewill donation will be taken to support the church's ongoing expenses.

 

Our Christmas Eve Worship Service will be on Wednesday, December 24th, beginning at 5p. Invite a friend or loved one.