Our Advent theme for this year is –
“Joy to the World”, a classic Christmas Hymn, has been played, sung, and heard for 300 years. Composer Isaac Watt’s interpretation of Psalm 98 invites us to sing a “new song” – a powerful performance of all creation being renewed and freed. Rather than “joy” being another word for “happiness,” we will discover that the depths of joy can be found especially in the midst of suffering, the work of justice, and the presence of compassion—all part of the coming of Jesus to this world and a message the world still so desperately needs.
“Joy to the World, the Lord is come.” – Isaac Watts
“Make a joyful noise to the Beloved all the earth; break forth into grateful song and sing praises! Yes, sing songs of praise extolling Love’s way; lift up your hearts with gratitude and joy!” – Psalm 98 (translation, Nan C. Merrill)
December 1- “Prepare Him Room: Hopeful Joy” 11am Worship
December 1 – “Joy to the World” Service – 6pm
December 8 – “Repeat the Sounding Joy: Loving Joy” Children’s Christmas Program, 11am Worship
December 15 – “Make the Blessings Known: Unabashed Joy” Adult Choir Cantata, 11am Worship
December 22 – “Make the Nations Prove: Peaceful Joy” 11am
December 24 – “The Lord is Come: Incarnate Joy” 5pm
“As we discover more joy, we can face suffering in a way that ennobles rather than embitters. We have hardship without becoming hard. We have heartbreak without being broken.” – Desmond Tutu