On behalf of the entire Gloria staff, I’d like to wish all of you a very blessed and joyous Christmas celebration. Some of you will be away from home, celebrating the birth of Jesus with friends and family elsewhere. Many of you are here in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas, also gathering with loved ones. Wherever you are, may the joy of Christ fill and surround you.
Included in the New Testament is a short letter from the apostle Paul to a man named Titus. In chapter 2 Paul says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all….”
Yes, the Grace of God has appeared. Christmas is a time to celebrate the best news ever proclaimed. This news came first from the angels to the shepherds. Yet, through the centuries it has been spoken, shared, and lived out among billions of people. And now, this Good News has reached our hearts: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Christ is the Savior this world so desperately needs. God is among us, he loves us, and his grace has the power to change lives and bring salvation.
This Sunday, December 21, our Church School kids will bring us the Good News through their Annual Christmas program at both the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. The younger children will be singing in between services in the sanctuary as well. I promise these opportunities will put you in the Christmas spirit. Come and worship. Come and enjoy.
And then on Christmas Eve, we will gather to sing carols, hear the good news, and light Christmas candles, all the while celebrating the birth of Jesus, the light of the world.
Worship times for Christmas Eve are as follows:
10:30 a.m. (Carols, Candles, Holy Communion, Pastor Amy Preaching)
1:30 p.m. (Interactive Children’s Service, Carols, Pastor Sarah leading)
2:45 p.m. (Carols, Candlelight, Pastor Tim Preaching)
4:00 p.m. (Carols, Candlelight, Pastor Tim Preaching)
5:15 p.m. (Carols, Candlelight, Pastor Tim Preaching)
9:00 p.m. (Carols, Candlelight, Holy Communion, Pastor Chris Preaching)
One more thing. We are still in need of volunteers for some of the Christmas Eve Services. Ushers, Greeters, Parking Lot Attendants. If you can help, it would be especially appreciated. Use the followings links for more info and to sign up.
10:30am | 1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 9:00pm
Parking lot attendants can sign up here.
May God bless your Christmas celebration and my God bless you!
Pastor Tim
