Worship Preview 12.11.22
Press Release: September Dec. 10, 2022 edition.
First United Methodist Church
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Reflecting the Sacred: Joy - Heard and Seen” Scriptures: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:46-55, Matthew 11: 2-11, and Matthew 2:7-10 with Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Their journey had taken as much as two years. They are patient. They are purposeful. When they arrive, they are filled with joy – and they begin to realize that Herod has other plans.
Last week we heard some of John the Baptist’s story. John the Baptist is also looking for a sign. Watching, waiting – ready to proclaim. And yet even he has questions. Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus responds – "Go and tell John what you hear and see”
What Jesus is doing answers John’s question. What Jesus is doing fulfills promises from the Scriptures. Jesus is telling John to trust his own witness and testimony. To trust what the Spirit had revealed to him.
We live in a time of now and not yet. We worship because Christ has already accomplished the victory – and yet much of what we hear and see in our world would deny that. Sometimes our own choices and actions would deny that. Advent is a time to focus – to admit our own questions and to hear and see God’s presence. To search and journey – like the Magi. And a time to hope – we will also hear Mary’s joyful song, the Magnificat, from Luke 1 – and its celebration of a world disrupted and changed. The sacred is all around – if we are willing to seek it – to see and hear – and live - differently.
No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are invited to join in worship and celebration at 10:30am at 301 S. National, coming just as you are with your questions, doubts, and hopes - and to experience the transformative, healing love and grace of Christ - which makes us whole. Visit www.firstumcfsks/newvisitors for more information on what to expect.
This Week: Wednesday, Dec. 14th, 5:30pm Feeding Families in His Name –this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation. 301 S. National. We are thankful for all the volunteers from other area churches and community groups that make this meal possible each week.
