Dear FPCLA,
Sunday, in traditional Christianity, is the first Sunday of Advent. The word, advent, means coming. Christianity has celebrated the birth of Jesus on December 25th, and the Christian churches usually have big celebrations. Yet, many forget the sacrifices of Mary and Joseph and their families. Let’s us remember that it takes a community/village in helping to raise children…a community of love and support and sacrifice.
Sermon: The Choice
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 The Message Bible
26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
35 The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Announcements:
- We have both in-person worship at 1:15pm and remote worship. There is no fellowship hour afterwards, but instead will head out for meal and drinks after making the homeless bags.
- 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.
