This special worship service is designed to bring comfort to those who have experienced the devastating pain of infant loss. Through Scriptures of lament and sorrow, responsive readings, hymns, and prayers, it helps those attending give voice to their grief. It also offers God’s help and hope for the future so that those who grieve know they are not alone. God speaks tenderly in his Word to bring comfort and strength.
They’re everywhere this time of year. We can’t turn on the radio or push our cart through the grocery store without hearing them. They adorn homes and porches and waiting rooms. They pile up beneath our Christmas tree and fill our mailboxes. What are they? They are the traditional sights and sounds and trappings of Christmas: the festive carols, the sparkling lights and glowing candles, the glittering trees and garland, the gifts wrapped in shiny paper, the annual Christmas card.
But where did these Christmas traditions come from? And what do they mean to us today? This Advent by Candlelight program will dig into the origins of our Christmas traditions and—through Scripture, story, and song—remind us how these traditions all point to Jesus, the light of the world. After all, he’s the whole reason we celebrate. He’s the good news we share with others. Because Christmas begins with CHRIST!
Looking for more Advent by Candlelight services? Check out out our past services.
Biblical Hospitality Bible Study
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” He talked about the increasingly prevalent feelings of isolation, invisibility, and insignificance and offered small steps to strengthen our relationships and rebuild social connection. But since this is a secular document, there are two key pieces missing: our relationship with God and how that affects our relationships with those around us. In this study, we’ll look at how practicing biblical hospitality creates a bridge to the “isolated, invisible, and insignificant.” In contrast to the modern concept of hosting, biblical hospitality sees the needs of others and responds from the rich pool of blessings received from Jesus. As women, we tend to be relational and often have God-given gifts that make us more aware of and sensitive to the feelings of those around us. To nurture, encourage, and equip that tendency, this study will expand your understanding of biblical hospitality, demonstrate what it looks like, and provide practical application for your life.
Conference handouts are available below.