One of my favorite indications of the Christmas season is the appearance of lights. You may have seen them already driving through your neighborhood, on top of buildings around the city, or at special events that are beginning to start for the holiday season.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed a message of good news saying, “A light has dawned,” referring to the birth of the Jesus. This Christmas season, we celebrate this Light that dispels the darkness and brings hope to our lives.
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2; 6
Worship
The Advent sermon series; Worth the Wait will explore the meaning of the names given to Jesus, the Light of the World, in Isaiah 9, “Wonderful Counselor” (Dec 2), Mighty God (Dec 9), Everlasting Father (Dec 23), and Prince of Peace (Dec 24). A beloved tradition in our church is the Advent Devotional, which includes daily scripture readings and reflections written by members of the Kairos community. Please pick up a copy of the devotional at our Sunday worship services, or you can also to subscribe to receive the daily scriptures and reflections via text message – to receive a link to the daily Kairos Advent Devotional, text keyword: Advent to 7606703130. This is a great way to allow the light of Christ to shine in your hearts throughout Advent.
The Christmas season tends to evoke a longing for joy and meaning in our lives, and it is a wonderful time to consider inviting someone to worship with us. Our Lessons and Carols service (Dec 16), which tells the story of Jesus through beautiful music and scripture readings, and our Christmas Eve service (5:00 pm) are wonderful opportunities to invite guests to join us.
Serve
As we seek to carry the light of Christ to others this Christmas, we hope you also will consider ways to serve and give to others. Our partnership with Friends of Refugees has connected our church with the refugee community in Clarkston. The next two Sundays we will collect toys and coats to donate to the FOR Christmas Store, where parents can come shop for gifts for their children. Individuals and families are also invited to help host the FOR Christmas Party on December 8th, 9am-12pm, providing fun activities for the refugee children while their parents shop. You may also want to consider adopting a family through the CAC this season to provide gifts for people in need in the Sandy Springs community.
Celebrate
Our Journey to Bethlehem (Dec 2) is a wonderful way for families to come together for lunch and to make crafts that help our children enter into the story of Jesus. Finally, adults, please mark your calendars for our annual Kairos Christmas Party (Dec 13), a time to celebrate and foster connections with others in our church community.
The Light of Christ has come to dispel the darkness and bring hope to our world. May the light of Christ fill your hearts this Advent Season and may his light shine through you to bring hope to people around you.
-Miriam
Important Dates (See announcements below for more details)
December 2 Journey to Bethlehem
December 2 Last Sunday to donate toys/gifts for Friends of Refugees
December 6 Kairos Women’s Gathering
December 8 Friends of Refugees Christmas Party (service opportunity)
December 13 Kairos Christmas Party
December 16 Lessons & Carols Worship Service
December 24 Christmas Eve Service