Leta Sage played the prelude on the Hammered Dulcimer. Leta also served as our song leader. Pat Beaty was our pianist. Rev. Ken Lunsford welcomed everyone and gave a prayer. Pastor Ken played his guitar.
The lighting of the fifth Advent Candle was done by the Moore family; Jill, Sammy, Cole, Brady and Conner. They took turns reading part of the Advent message. The Moore family also gave the scripture reading of the story of Christ’s birth from Luke. The congregation sang seven Christmas carols between the readings.
Jill Moore’s mother and brother were in attendance to lend support and enjoy the service.
Candles were passed to the congregation and the lights were dimmed for the singing of “Silent Night.” Pastor Ken lit his candle from the Advent wreath, and then the congregation’s candles were lit. The lite candle signifies that Jesus is the light of the world and when we departed the sanctuary by candlelight we carried the light of Christ into the darkness of the world.
Refreshments of cookies, coffee, and hot wassail were waiting in the foyer for the worshipers. There was laughter and calls of Merry Christmas and “see you next year.”
Thank you to the ladies who brought the refreshments.
Pastor Ken preached a Christmas Day service at Laurel St. United Methodist Church. He said at the first Christmas the announcement flung to the earth was “God is with us. God is with us.” In the book of Hebrews it says “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.”
After Jesus had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
The humble carpenter who worked with his hands, who held little children in His arms, who reached out to the lepers and the lame, the least and the lowest, this humble carpenter now occupies the throne with the Father. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are open to you and our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ to change the world. Happy New
Year!