INTRO

Advent Season Devotional

2012

First Christian Church

Duncan, OK

Dear Friends,

“Christmas time’s a comin’” goes a great country music song.  It speaks to “Holly’s in the window.  Home is where the wind blows.  I can’t walk for runnin’ ‘cause Christmas time’s a comin’!”  Someone is glad, “’cause I know I’m goin’ home.”  By the time this happy song is finished the singer and listener are ready for the big day.  As disciples’ of Christ we understand it takes thoughtful, prayerful, preparation for Christmas to come with all the joy God has in mind for us.  It takes such devotions to take our hearts back home to Bethlehem.  It is during the season of Advent we take time to make ourselves ready to welcome Christ, the giver of love, joy, hope and peace into our lives anew.

With that in mind, church friends of ours have prepared the daily devotionals in this booklet.  This is a work of love by folks who don’t do such things very often.  They have put time and effort into it and I know the rest of us are grateful.

Please put this booklet and your Bible close at hand in a place where you can give them the time necessary for them to speak to you.  When you say your prayers each time, you might remember the contributor of that day’s devotion.  I will.

Please make a note in your calendar that we have special things planned for Advent.  Lots of effort is going into making it meaningful for everyone.

·         The Harmony Class will host the Fellowship Brunch on December 2.

·         Our youth will get together for Midnight Gladness on December 7^th to make Christmas brighter for other children of our community.

·         On December 19, we’ll celebrate our Christmas Extravaganza with a Christmas Dinner, singing and caroling, a performance by our children and a Guaranteed Visit by Santa Claus! 

·         On Christmas Eve we will have two services, at 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. 

·         Each Sunday of Advent, we will light the Advent Wreath and sing songs of the season.

I hope you’ll make a special effort to be with us for as much of our worship and fellowship as possible.

“Can’t you hear them bells ringin’, ringin’.  Joy to all, can’t you hear them singin’.  When it’s snowin’ I’ll be goin’ back to my country home!”

Glad to be your pastor,

Arnold Nelson