Referring to the time when Jesus would no longer be physically with the disciples, Jesus said to them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14.27)
This Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Advent when we focus on the Peace of Christ. Because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, we have been given peace with God and from God. Having been reconciled to our Heavenly Father through the blood of Christ, we have peace with God. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He sent us the Holy Spirit, who would then give us internal peace – a peace that passes all understanding.
This Sunday we also will share in Communion. The meal that Jesus had with the disciples, we now share together, doing so in remembrance of the One who was born to die, in order that all who believe in Him might live. As we continue to prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ, we will take time to be reminded that He who was born a baby would grow up to be the Suffering Servant, the Lamb of God, who would lay down His life for us. We then, are to do likewise. We are to be Ambassadors for Christ, becoming like Him as we love others through sacrificial acts of service – Drops of Grace.
Dec 6 - Peace For The Holidays
December 6, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Isaiah 53:1–6
Dec 27 - What's Next?
December 27, 2020 • Curt McFarland • Luke 2:8–14
The question to ask is, what’s next? We celebrated Advent and Christmas. Candles were lit, hymns were sung (or hummed), gifts were exchanged, meals shared … what’s next? The power and significance of Christmas affects not a season, or a year, but a life, a world, all of human history. This single event, celebrated and then promptly forgotten by some, gives meaning to everything that happened before that first Christmas, and everything that followed that Holy night. How does our life reflect the miracle of Christmas on December 26, on January 1, on July 17, each and every day of our life? Because God made the decision, out of His love for us, to enter human history and take on Himself the brunt of all evil (ours included), our relationships, our work, our retirement, how we spend our money, how we view disease, grief, and death, all change. The One with all power loves us. The One with all power made it possible for us to experience forgiveness for our sins, healing for our wounds, joy in our sorrows, and confidence as we take our final breath. So, what’s next?
Carols & Candles Christmas Eve
December 25, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 2
Christ the Savior is born! The 7:30pm service is the usual traditional Carols and Candles service, filled with a variety of music/solos/instruments, as well as passages of Scripture to prepare us all to welcome the birth of Christ. Reservations required for in church or watch on this page, on Facebook or on the Yakima Grace YouTube channel.
A Homestyle Christmas Eve
December 25, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 2
Christ the Savior is born! The 4:30pm service is casual, with lots of fun songs, a live Nativity, and a family bag of activities for children. The Family Lounge will be open during the 4:30 for up to five families to enjoy the livestream service while younger children can enjoy toys & games brought from home. One family per table only. Reservations required for in church or watch on this page, on Facebook or on the Yakima Grace YouTube channel.