December 12, 2024
Howdy friends!
Seven Days to Christmas! Unbelievable!
The lectionary text for Christmas Day is John Chapter One.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life,[a] and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it ….
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own,[c] and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,[d] full of grace and truth. ”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.[e] 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who[f] is close to the Father’s heart,[g] who has made him known.
Though this text may seem abstract and not at all what might be expected for Christmas Day. I think the passage helps us reflect on what Christmas Day means.
In the busyness that often accompanies the holidays, we are called to slow down and consider what it means to become “children of God,” for the Word of God to dwell with us in our common flesh, forming us into God’s likeness. What would happen if we took time to consider not only how Jesus came into the world, but also how we embody Jesus in our own lives? How might we more fully live into the Word made flesh that resides in each of us? How can we, this Christmas day, bear witness to the Light in the darkness?
I hope and pray you all have a blest Christmas. And, I hope your Christmas includes at least two of the four opportunities to worship together – 8:45 & 11 AM on 12/22, and 4 & 6 PM on 12/24. PLUS don’t miss our Night in Bethlehem 5:30-8 PM on 12/21. See you there!
Peace,
Pastor Debbie
910-578-5905
Staff Love Offering Thank You!!
The staff of HUMC sends a very big thank you to everyone for their generous contributions to this year’s Love Offering!! Your kindness is heart-warming and greatly appreciated!
2025 Altar Flower Sign-Ups Needed!
Sign-ups have begun! Please note that we will no longer take perpetual sponsorships. Cost per arrangement is $45 and should be paid before sponsorship date. There are still two available sponsorships for each Sunday. Flower reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Contact the church office, 910-270-4648, office@hampsteadumc.org to sign up.
Harbor District Mission Event
| Harbor
District,
We are excited to announce a district-wide mission event! With multiple opportunities to get involved, there will be ways for all ages to come together and help at a number of locations in the district. Please save the date for March 15, 2025. More details and registration will be shared in the new year. We hope to have every Harbor District church represented and we look forward to serving alongside you! Each
of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. |
~1 Peter 4:10