Worship Preview Advent 4 and Christmas Eve, 2025. "Enthroned by Love" and "Candlelight, Carols, and Communion"

Press Release for December 20, 2025

First United Methodist

Sunday Dec. 21^st - Bake Sale / Holiday Treats – we are holding a Bake Sale to raise funds for our “Good Sam” ministry projects from 11:30 until 1pm or until sold out. Come to Fellowship Hall (lower entrance off 3^rdstreet or elevator from front door) and pick up some tasty treats for your Christmas and holiday gatherings!

Worship This Sunday, Dec. 21st: 10:30am –  Advent 4 “Enthroned by Love” Scriptures: 1 John 4:13-20, Psalm 24, Matthew 1:18-25. Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.

It’s one of the simplest and most profound verses in Scripture. “God is Love.”  Love came down at Christmas. For God so Loved the World. We love because he first loved us. When we hear “let loving hearts enthrone him” in our theme carol, we are encountering the “essence of the message.” Love is at the heart of this beloved story of the birth of Christ. It is love that is the true definition of “kingdom,” of “kinship.” No one exemplifies this more than Joseph’s love for Mary and for the child. He is protector of Love. He is hospitality incarnated. Joseph is not a “side character.” Joseph is one of the only reasons why Jesus’ life is protected and preserved in preparation for his earthy ministry. Joseph is the example of love that is also part of the answer to “What Child IS This?” He risks himself for them, and thus, for us. Not only the very life of Jesus was in his hands, but his own character and sacrifice were risked. Jospeh, though silent, speaks boldly through actions. How will we make sacrificial love our aim in our time? Sacrificial love may demand that we give up power, status, and economic security for the sake of solutions to how the most vulnerable can be protected. This is hard for many of us. Joseph’s story is one in which he lowered himself voluntarily for the sake of Mary, the “lowly servant,” whose life and wellbeing were in danger, not to mention the life of the child growing inside of her. Joseph lives a “Christlike” life before Jesus has even begun to “grow in wisdom and favor.”

Worship Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th: 10:30am –   “What Child IS This?” Scriptures: Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 96:1-13, Luke 2:1-20. Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.

Throughout Advent we have been preparing. Reflecting on sacred stories of annunciation, invitation, and revelations. Of God making a way when it seemed there was no way. Of the prophetic call echoing through the ages. And now Christmas is finally here. The feast of the nativity – the birth of Christ. God so loved the world that God became us in order to know us, love us even more deeply. We tell the ancient and sacred story that can open our hearts and our lives to our own place in the heart of the story. As we’ve been singing, this year, this year, let the day arrive, when Christmas comes for everyone. Everyone alive. We live in difficult and divided times – much like the times Jesus was born. The systems and rulers of the world preach fear, anger, control. Jesus comes in humility. No matter how afraid we are, the Babe, “whom shepherds guard and angels sing,” lives within us waiting to grow into Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love incarnate.

A journey of faith begins with a single step. You are invited to take your next step by joining us on Christmas Eve – 7pm, Wednesday. Dec. 24^th and as always, we invite you to experience the love and presence of Christ, together with us at 10:30am each Sunday and explore your next steps! 301 S. National here in Fort Scott.  Find your path, share your journey!