“The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world…” John 1:9
My friends,
The season of Advent is coming to an end and the season of Christmas is breaking upon us. A great light is visible on the horizon and it seeks to envelop us from darkness to light and bring hope to allay fears. Christ is coming! Let us say that with voices that rejoice in the truth of the promise of God fulfilled. CHRIST IS COMING! It is time to open our hearts, time to find peace, and time to know love beyond the constraints of the flesh. Christ is coming; a manger will be full of the bread of life so that people will no longer hunger for that which cannot fulfill them. Christ is coming; living water will be poured so that people will no longer search for that which cannot quench their thirst. The angel of the Lord declares, “Your Savior is born today in David’s City. He is Christ the Lord…Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (Luke 2:11-14)
I am looking forward to celebrating this Christmas with you on Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM. We are trying something new as we will gather for our first drive-in service. The service will be held in the lower parking lot at UMC of Chugiak. Please try to arrive by 5:45 PM so that we can ensure everyone is situated in their parking spots by the beginning of service. We will be operating by all social distancing protocols and will invite attendees to remain in their cars throughout the service, singing all the hymns and listening to the readings being broadcast over FM radio. For those that are comfortable doing so, you will be invited to exit your vehicles as we share the light of Christ (ushers will bring the light to you) and we sing “Silent Night” to conclude the service. I look forward to hearing the church bell ring to welcome in the Christmas season.
We are putting the final pieces together to make the service work, so please check your email on Dec. 24th or look on the church website or social media outlets for the program and the music sheets for the service. In the meantime, be sure to gather candles for you and your family to participate in the candle lighting. I look forward to this special celebration with you on Christmas Eve. CHRIST IS COMING!
Blessings,
Pastor David
PS – The service will also be broadcast virtually on Facebook or YouTube or both. We will send the link and post in all of the appropriate places when we have the links secured.