LAKE ERIE CHURCH OF GOD 3050 Antioch Rd Perry, Ohio December 2017

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1 LAKE ERIE CHURCH OF GOD 3050 Antioch Rd Perry, Ohio December 2017 Upcoming Events Children's Christmas Program Christmas Eve Service New Year s Eve Service & Communion Daniel Fast Kick Off Celebrating Advent The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. In some churches, four purple candles, one for each week in Advent, are used with one larger white candle in the middle as the Christ candle. Other churches prefer three purple or blue candles with one candle being rose or pink, to represent joy. While the Advent wreath with its four candles did bring light to churches, it was not to illuminate the interior as much as to symbolize the coming of Christ. The Advent wreath began in the time of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Others consider the lighting of the first candle to symbolize expectation, while the second symbolizes hope, the third joy and the fourth purity. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world. The order and exact wording vary among churches, but the wreath continually reminds us of whom we are called to be as followers of Jesus.

2 REFLECTIONS This is the time of the year where we celebrate that first advent. Advent means to come. On that first advent, Christ came in a manner that caught most off guard. The Jewish people expected their Messiah to come as a warrior to save them from the oppressive rule of the Romans. At the very least, a politician who would fight for their cause and freedom. But a baby? The most vulnerable form of humanity. Born not in a regal palace but a rustic pen. Born in the obscure little town of Bethlehem on a hillside, far from the spotlight - yet under the Star. My mind recalled an old song The King is Coming. The chorus resounds: The King is coming the King is coming I just heard the trumpet sounding and now His face I see The King is coming the King is coming Praise God, He s coming for me! On that first advent, the angels blew trumpets to signal His coming. And at His next advent, the trumpet will sound the signal again. On His next advent, people will once again be surprised. Caught up in living busy lives with minds set on achievement, wealth, and comfort; attention given to anything but eternity. This time it won t just be the angels on a mountainside, but the whole world will be brought to attention. This time He won t be wrapped in swaddling clothes but in a regal robe of righteousness. As we take time to reflect on the humble birth of Christ this Christmas season, let s also turn our hearts to His next arrival. Soon and very soon, the King of Kings, the Bridegroom of the Church will come again. Not to lay in a humble manger, but to declare the Kingdom of God. To rapture His Bride, the Church, to heaven. Let us take time this holiday to reflect on His birth, but also to anxiously anticipate His return! 1 Thess 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Expecting My King

3 an exciting worship and learning experience. Naomi s passion for theater, as well as her experience working with children at youth camp, has provided her with a unique ministry that encourages our children to explore and nurture their God given talents. Jasmin s gift of dance and drama has afforded her the opportunity to minister to children. From an early age, her desire is to show them Jesus. Jasmin's desire is to build the children's ministry through a combination of the arts. These two qualified young women certainly bring their heartfelt passions and gifts as they minister to our children. CHILDREN S CHURCH The new children's ministry at LEC is now being led by Jasmin Quigley and Naomi Rivers, along with other volunteers. These energic young women are leading our young people from the ages of 5 to 12 into Reminder: Invite someone to church this Sunday Their vision for this ministry is spiritual growth, physical growth and lives that reflect the true image of Christ. Sunday, December 17th is Children's Ministry Day. The LEC children will share their gifts and talents with us. Come early, you don t want to miss it!

4 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Ugly Sweaters VIEW FROM THE PEW We are continuing to pray for The Musacchio Family and Marielise. SICK and SHUT IN Barbara Sublett The Wilson Family Our Hats Off to Jerome and Raysene Barclay for another beautiful REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The Wiggins Family Betty Raimey Welcome to our Family!

5 K s Korner Some people still like to celebrate the baby in the manger, baby Jesus as they even still refer to him as, many times even when it s not the Christmas season. The reason some people like to keep Jesus in the manger is because they don t believe in the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is sitting on the right hand of the Father. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will return threatening to people, so people can t see him as the Savior of the world, the redeemer of us all who have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Let s be clear Jesus Christ will come back. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 The Advent season means the arrival or coming of something in a massive way. The Advent season represents the four Sundays before Christ s coming, a season of prayer and fasting. It also, can represent the coming of Christ. During our seasonal celebrations, let s not just remember that our Lord and Savior was born, but that He reigns and He will be coming back. As you think about the coming of a new year, let s think about the coming of Christ and if you are ready to meet him in the air!!! Minister Kinja Walton

6 Joy to the World! The Lord is come! He brought joy to everyone; every tribe and every nation! Merry Christmas From The Lake Erie Church Family