We continue to celebrate this season of Advent
We continue the Advent series and the continuation of “A Christmas Story,” as we light two more candles. I hope you find following the Advent series to be a boon to this Christmas season.
Our Pastor Judd suggested that we start December 1 reading the Book of Luke. Luke has 24 chapters and by reading a chapter per day you would be able to finish by Christmas Day and know the full story of our Saviors birth, life, death, and resurrection. Doing this would allow you to better understand God’s Salvation.
Third Sunday of
Advent Dec. 11, 2022
The third Sunday of Advent finds everyone being more excited about how soon Christmas will be here and we think about the coming of Jesus Christ. This is truly a time of joy! So it is only fitting that on the third Sunday of Advent we light the Shepard’s candle often called the candle of joy. Why Joy? We celebrate the birth of Jesus, knowing that when He comes into our lives, He brings complete joy. When He was born, the Angels said, “The coming of Jesus was good news of great joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10) Because Jesus Christ has come to us bringing Hope and Peace we can live our lives in the Joy of the Lord.
A Christmas Story … continued
Now the days seem to slow down to a crawl,
Children tryin’ to be good,
But good intentions often see downfall,
Tho they did the best they could.
And one by one the days would melt away,
Blessings for each girl and boy,
They all bowed their heads while Papa would pray,
Thankful that they had joy.
Then, they each helped with the candle lighting,
Christmas stars overhead,
Heralding a season so exciting,
Christmas story is read.
About when a manger held the Christ Child Boy,
On Christmas morn long ago,
A story that tells of hope, peace, and joy,
With Heavens all aglow.
When He was born, the Angels said, “The coming of Jesus was good news of great joy for all people.” (Luke 2:10)
Fourth Sunday of
Advent Dec. 18, 2022
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the fourth candle, which some call the “Bethlehem Candle,” or the “Angel Candle” is lit. This candle of love stands as a symbol for the lowly manger where Jesus was born and reminds us of God’s love for us and that in return, we are to love one another. As we light this candle, we are to remember the love that Christ has for each of us. A command that is found in John 13:34-35.
A Christmas Story … continued
Each day, part of the Christmas story was read,
The children could hardly wait,
Papa found their chores often done up ahead,
Now the day was getting late.
The children were anxious as Christmas Eve neared,
Then ‘bout dark o’er the canyon rim,
An old gent in a horse and buggy appeared,
As light was getting dim.
Papa told him to get down, come on in,
That’s how you do in the west,
There’d be supper and the wreath lighting again,
The old gent would be their guest.
Soon the Christmas Story is read, a grand Christmas Eve,
They asked the old gent to stay,
He said, “Thanks, that by daybreak he’d have to leave,
Had miles to make that day.”
After stories, the children were snug in bed.
Yet sleep is just not there,
Seeing the Baby in the manger instead,
Or angel songs in the air.
A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
Join us at First Baptist Marlin as we prepare for Christmas by celebrating the Advent and thank God that He sent His only Son to be the Sacrificial Lamb for our souls!
God bless each of you and God Bless America!