Christmas Advent

What is the Christmas spirit?
Do we let the trappings of Christmas distract us from the significant.
2,000 years ago this event changed everything.
There now is good news for all people.
This Christmas we start a conspiracy
What is an appropriate way to celebrate Christmas? So many of us miss it- just don't get it
Simeon Luke 2:22-32
He got it!
The Consolation of Israel Jeremiah 31:8,9 God will lead the exiles down the path to God.
There were lots of people at the temple. How did Simeon know Jesus? The Holy Spirit nudged him. When he held Jesus, he worshipped. That is the only proper response.
How should we respond? WORSHIP. The song "Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel" drips with hope. Rejoice Rejoice disperse the gloomy clouds - death's shadows put to flight.
There are 2 ways of waiting
1. Flip through the channels hoping there will be a good program
2. Waiting for the bus. Life changing events
In Christmas we find the order and clean up the mess
Peace
Do we get so busy organizing we don't have time for peace and worship?
Maybe that's why the angels came to the shepherds. They were at peace with themselves. They recognized Jesus was bigger - They worshipped. The God who saves.
Our God Saves
In the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, Lord we come
Your saints bow down. Our God saves. There is hope in your name.
This is great news for all people. God came to break our bonds.
Last Christmas Canadians spend 35 billion dollars for sweaters and paper weights no one needs. What if we spent that in helping others, feeding the hungry.
Eastview Christmas events.
Dec 13 7pm choir program
Dec 24 3:30 5:00, 6:30 pm with donations to go to Forward House prison ministry Christian home.

Challenge- give generously. Be part of that work. They need $24,000 to keep operating
The 1st Christmas changed everything and still should. For us and our society.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.
O to grace how great a debtor
Here's my heart Lord come and seal it for you.
Shalom