For many this is the time of year they’ve been looking forward to for 11 long (and this year troubling) months. For others it’s a mixed season that brings both joy and tears. It’s that time of year when we finish off another leftover turkey sandwich and then drag out the Christmas decorations. Even in this unusual year the miracle of Christmas remains wonderful, mysterious, life-changing. Something unexpected happen in a little town not far from Jerusalem. One child was born and everything changed. The birth of Jesus still captivates our world today. It was more than we could have hoped for.
Here at Grace we invite you “home for the holidays.” Masks, social distancing, community restrictions cannot keep us apart. Whether in person, by livestream or FM broadcast, our family connection remains strong. WE have HOPE because of the unshakable, unstoppable, unchanging power of God.
The four Sundays before Christmas are called Advent Sundays. Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation. The theme this first Sunday of Advent is HOPE.
Because of the miracle of Christmas we are on an adventure that stretches into eternity.
Nov 29 - Hope For The Holidays - Advent #1
Matthew 1:18-21 & 24-25
November 29, 2020 • Curt McFarland • Matthew 1:18–25
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.