He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5 NRSV) One unforeseen impact of our efforts to adjust to our pandemic reality might just be the death of the snow day. For those of us who are adults, …
There is an Acute Shortage
And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. (Mark 1:7 NIV) “There is an acute shortage… of toilet paper.” Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show, Dec. 19, 1973 This second week in Advent we are spending …
Celebrate the Christmas Season at Flemington UMC
Christmas is a season of celebration, and we want to celebrate with you! Dec 1 – First Sunday of Advent worship service with Communion at 10:30 AM Dec 5 – Away in a Manger on Main Street Live Nativity from 5-8 PM Dec 7 – Christmas Craft Market, Soup Luncheon, Bake Sale, and Silent …
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus…
…born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. -A Hymn of Charles Wesley A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare …
Gifts and Gratitude
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord! Psalm 148:13-14 This is the last Messenger of 2018, written here …
The Beauty of Offering a Welcome to All
While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Luke 2:6-7 These stories we revisit each Advent ripple with the propulsive energy carrying Mary and …
Hope We Can See
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is …
Refined
Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces. Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can withstand his …
Anticipating the Already, Living in the Not Yet
…When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He …