Dear FPCLA,
This week, many families, friends, and strangers will gather together to celebrate Christmas on December 25th. So, let me give you a bit of history about Christmas.
Early Christians did not celebrate Jesus’ birth and they do not know when was Jesus actually born. It is believed by many scholars that Jesus’ birth was in the early spring, closer to Easter. Christians inherited the Christmas celebration from the church of Rome which began celebrating it in 336. However, prior to the Roman Empire’s adaptation or creation of Christianity, they celebrated two gods: the rebirth of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) and the birth of Mithra, a god of light and loyalty. Christmas became a major Christmas festivities in the 9th century.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, a little history about the festivities enables us to develop a better understanding.
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
Announcements:
- We are back to in person worship at 1:15pm and remote worship. There is no fellowship hour afterwards, but instead will head out for meal and drinks.
- If you or someone you know needs any immediate necessities like groceries, medications, books, or etc., then please fill-out our Mission Fund 2021 Form and send it to Pastor Sam.
- If you have the means, please give to FPCLA.
