Our God speaks. By His Word, creation comes into existence! By His Word, He reveals to us who He is and what He desires for us as we relate to Him. But the ultimate revelation of who God is comes to us in the person of Jesus. “In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2)… “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). We celebrate the coming of the Messiah, the Word of God!
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” With these words from the angel in Luke 2, the shepherds are sent on the most exciting journey of their lives. Today, we are invited to “Come and Worship” as well, because the arrival of Jesus is good news that changes everything!
On this Christmas Eve morning, we meditate with joy on the promises of God to send us a Savior as we consider several prophecies that find their fulfillment in the coming of Christ. Between readings, worshipers select their favorite Advent and Christmas hymns!
With the announcement by the angel Gabriel, the clock ticks in anticipation of God fulfilling the promise He had made thousands of years earlier. A son of the woman would be born to crush the head of the ancient serpent. A king would be born to reign on David’s throne. And He would begin His saving mission in the womb of a young woman named Mary. Today, the season of Advent takes a joyful turn – we know the celebration of Jesus’ coming will soon take place! May the joy of His arrival meet us in the worries and cares of life lived as broken people in a broken world. Today’s message is “He’s Coming!” based on Luke 1:26-56.
“Prepare the way of the Lord!” The prophet Isaiah foretold one who would come to get God’s people ready for the coming of their King. This is fulfilled with the arrival and ministry of John, whose words and baptism readied the hearts of the people for Jesus. As we consider John’s ministry today, the Spirit desires to be at work in us as well, turning us from sin and unbelief to the peace and readiness that flows from repentance (turning away from our old ways and toward God’s new ways) and faith. Today’s message is “Prepare,” based on Mark 1:1-8.
Tonight, we rejoice in the One who descended in humility from the heavens to dwell with us as our Savior. Our Hope Praise Team leads us through a collection of reflections and songs in “Our King on a Manger Throne” Christmas Cantata.
All music is performed under Hope’s CCLI Copyright License 2956118 and CCLI Streaming Plus License 21360672.