Sunday Morning 

9:00 AM:  Adult Classes
10:30 AM:  Children and Adult Classes 
Students (Middle and High School) 

ONE SERVICE AT 9:30 AM ON December 30th

Welcome to Advent 2018 

The most incredible thing has happened.  It is called the Incarnation.  It is the foundational meaning of Christmas.  It is a foundational truth of the Christian faith.  God made the decision to bridge the gap and become a human in flesh and blood.  Incarnate – to take on flesh and blood.  

Last summer Prince Louis, the son of Prince William and Duchess Kate was christened.  As with his older siblings, it was a big deal, no, a huge deal.   Dignitaries invited and elaborate ceremonies and photo shoots.  He had six godparents.  For the Prince of one country.  

A different picture is painted about the arrival of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords: 

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7 

This baby was longed for and anticipated for centuries.  And for his grand entry there was no room for Him.   No parades or famous guests.  No palace or fancy baptism gowns.  No photo spreads.   Just a humble birth in a livestock feed trough.  No room for him at the inn. 

It begs the question – Is there room for Jesus in your Christmas?  Pastors always ask that pesky question, don’t they?  Here it is, coming at you again.  How will you make room for Jesus this year?  Will you figure out a way to share Christ’s amazing love in some way?  Will you find a way to love God and neighbor above everything else? 

Cross Winds’ worship experiences this month are trying to create the chance for that to happen for you.  Will you to make room for Jesus?

Sunday December 2  – "Love Came"  (9:00 AM and 10:30 AM)

Our Advent season kicks off with the lighting of the first Advent candle – Love.  Pastor Mike message is “Love Came” and is based on the well known verse John 3:16:  ““For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Sunday December 9  - “in the Inn”  (9:30 AM  no Sunday School and 5:00 PM)

This interactive Christmas experience puts you in the crowded hustle and bustle of the Bethlehem Inn on the night of Jesus’ birth.  Presented at the one 9:30 AM worship service and repeated at 5:00 PM.  Communion will be available for anyone to receive. 

Sunday December 16 

• 9:00 AM “The Gospel According to Peanuts”   - In this message Pastor Mike explores the wisdom and faith of Charles Schultz expressed in his comic strip “Peanuts.”  Known as Sparky to his fellow cartoonists, this St. Paul native expressed his faith in Jesus Christ through humble living and the gentleness found in the life experiences of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang.

• 10:30 AM – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”  At this worship service it’s our Children’s Ministry’s turn to share the wonderful joy and truth of Christmas in this classic tale from the Charles Schultz and the Peanuts gang.   This play will also be presented on the day before, Saturday December 15, at 11:15 AM.

Thursday December 20  – “The Longest Night”   (at 7:00 PM)

On this shortest day of the year, with the least amount of sunlight, we hold a special worship service for those who have suffered a loss.  Christmas can often feel overwhelming with the message of happiness and get-togethers with family and friends.  Aching hearts from death, broken relationships, employment concerns, and other life challenges can make us feel disconnected from all the celebrating. This quiet and reflective worship service will share Scripture, songs, and prayers to recognize that God is with in our hurting and wants to shine light into our darkness. Friends are welcome.  

Sunday December 23 – “The Peace Child”  (9:00 AM and 10:30 AM)

We will celebrate the 4^th Sunday of Advent and Christmas.  Pastor Mike’s message is “The Peace Child”  (Isaiah 9:2-7)  The coming of Christ into our world was a smart and strategic decision by God to release the power of love and grace.  We explore the Christmas story from a missionary perspective.  This service features favorite Christmas carols.

Monday December 24 – Christmas Eve - “Coming Home to Love”

• 4:00 PM – This family friendly worship experience has lots of music as we celebrate Christmas joy. The Christmas story is for everyone!
• 9:00 PM - This service features favorite Christmas carols and candle lighting.

“Coming Home to Love”   Pastor Mike’s Christmas message for 4 and 9 PM is tied to John’s lesser known Christmas account – John 1: 9-14.   In this passage John tells his version of the Christmas story in which Jesus takes the amazing step of setting up camp with humanity. 

Sunday December 30 - “Do You Hear What I Hear?”  (one service 9:30 AM)

Jamie Boettcher brings us the message “Do You Hear What I Hear?”   God communicates to us in many ways.  In this part of the Christmas story, God uses a star and dreams to provide clear instructions to the Wise Men and to Joseph.  God speaks to us just as clearly today.  Are we listening?  Matthew 2:7-15 NRSV

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