Dear Northside
This will be the last bulletin for 2024. The church office will be closed from 21 December to 6 January. Please pray that the church staff all have a restful time before the start of a new year. We have been very busy, especially this past month.
But please note that we will have normal Sunday services on the 29th December and 5th January.
Thank you to everyone who helped us with our Christmas program this year. We have done a lot. Livingstones concerts got us going. Coffee Club. UPHOLD Pastors Breakfast. UZ student dinner. Our Advent series. Holiday Club. Project127 camp. Food Pantry Christmas hampers. Prisons ministry parties. Service of Remembrance. Décor and the stable scene in Sam Levy’s Village.
Still to come is Carols by Candlelight, Christmas Day service and Jump into 2025 with Jesus Crossover service on the 31st. I think we have Made Jesus Known again this year!
Last week we talked about Joy. And how it is different to happiness. I wonder, “What brings you joy?” “Joy doesn’t come from our circumstances. Joy comes from our Savior.” It’s a great reminder that even amidst the chaos of the season, the true joy we celebrate comes from knowing Jesus. Do you know Jesus? If you do not or not sure if you do, please make a plan to come and talk to us.
Another impactful part of the Christmas story are the shepherds. Their doubt turned to faith and joy when they encountered Jesus. “The truth turned DOUBT into FAITH, and because they had faith to GO TO JESUS, they got to experience a brand-new joy.” Do you have doubts or questions? That’s ok. But the truth of Jesus’ birth can turn your doubts into faith. And when we come to Jesus in faith, we will experience joy!
Our last candle in the Advent series is the candle of love. When we look at the story of Christmas, we cannot help but see God’s love for us. God did not wait for the darkness around us to get brighter, He did not wait for us to get better or sin less, He came when it was dark, and we were unable to save ourselves. Because He loves us. That is an incredible truth, and it should fill us with joy. Is there anything that is stopping you from experiencing the love of God this Christmas? Bring it to Jesus, come and talk to us. Don’t you love this carol?
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
May we all find hope, peace, joy and love this year, in the story of Christmas and in Jesus.
God bless, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Pastor Gary