“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” -Luke 2:1-19
Please join us for one of our Christmas Eve services so that you may experience the “good news of great joy” from the angels’ proclamation. We have a family-friendly service at 4 pm, it’s dark when you leave and you still have time for dinner together and bedtime before the big events of Christmas morning! Our 7:30 pm Lessons and Carols service has beautiful music planned with the choir, harp, and brass. Our 10 pm Communion by Candlelight service is in the Garden Sanctuary where you will enjoy the beauty and calm of that Silent Night.
We will have a single worship service on Sunday, December 29, at 11 am. This Christmas, I invite you to join us in worship at Kennewick First Pres as we worship the God who brings Joy to the World, For ALL the world.
Eternal God, you loved the whole world that you sent your only begotten son to save us. Thank you for this gift of love. Help us to extend your love and grace to the people around us and people across the world. May we have hearts open to experience the good news of great joy that love has come into the world through the birth of Jesus. In Christ we pray, Amen.
Warmly in Christ,
Rev. Hanna Peterson Shearer
