This advent we have been pondering the true gifts of Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. All have their source in the gift we gratefully celebrate this week – the gift of the Christ Child. Sadly, because of the Covid 19 stay at home order due to surging cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, we are not able to gather in person for Christmas services this year. But your staff, worship committee, actors, and musicians have put together a video Christmas Eve service for you. It includes candle lighting, scripture readings, lots of special music, a Cornerstone drama, and my Christmas message The Gift of the Christ Child. We invite you to view it at whatever time works best for you and your family. A special thanks goes out to Mark Isham who edited this and all of our worship videos. “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) Stay safe and well.
peace, Ernie
p.s. I will also record a video message for this Sunday, Dec. 27, on Matthew 2:13-23, titled A Shadow Over Christmas.