Pastor's Throughts: December

Advent is a four-week season leading up to Christmas when Christians prepare their hearts to celebrate the coming of Jesus. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” During this time, we remember Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem, we experience His presence with us now, and we look forward to His promised return.

Throughout the Advent season, we will light the candles of the Advent wreath each week. The candle serves as a reminder of all that God has given us in Christ. Each candle has a specific meaning.

What Do the Advent Candles Mean?

• First Candle – Hope: This candle reminds us of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah and the hope we have because God keeps His promises.

• Second Candle – Peace: This candle points us to the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the peace He brings between God and humanity.

• Third Candle – Joy: This candle is often pink and celebrates the joy of the good news announced to the shepherds: that a Savior had been born for all people.

• Fourth Candle – Love: This candle reminds us of God’s great love shown in sending His Son, and of the angels’ message of love and goodwill.

• Christ Candle (Center – White): On Christmas Eve, we light the center candle to celebrate Jesus Himself—“the Light of the World”—who has come to save us.

As we light each candle Sunday by Sunday, we are invited to slow down, reflect, and renew our hope, peace, joy, and love in Christ.

We would love for you, your family, and your friends to join us for our Christmas Choir Concert, “A Night of Hope,” on December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. The Clear Falls Choir will be performing a number of Christmas songs along with music from our own worship team. We know that it is not night time at 2:00 p.m. but we want everyone to be able to come and enjoy the concert so we are doing it in the afternoon.

This special afternoon of music will:

• Share some of the great Christmas songs that we all know and love
• Encourage your heart with the hope we have in Jesus
• Provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere to invite neighbors and loved ones

Come celebrate the Christmas season with us!
Mark your calendar for December 13 at 2:00 p.m.—we look forward to seeing you at A Night of Hope!

Dear Heavenly Father,

We love You because You first loved us. You demonstrated Your love for us by sending Your own Son to be born of a virgin. Your Son did not only become a man, but He experienced every temptation that is common to all of us, yet without sin. He is the spotless Lamb of God whom You sent to be the perfect sacrifice in our place. He laid down His life on the cross, and three days later, He resurrected from the dead. Praise be Your name! All of this is according to Your sovereign will. We thank You, Father, for loving us so much. Now, Lord, let us demonstrate our love to You through our faithfulness and obedience. Father, help us grow to be more like Your Son that we may glorify Your great name. We are Your servants, Your people, and Your church. Please, let Your will be done at New Hope.

In Christ,
Pastor Ben