|
The Peace of Christ: A Gift Beyond Understanding
As the Advent season leads us toward Christmas, we are reminded of the angelic proclamation to shepherds on a quiet Bethlehem night: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). The peace of Christ is not just a fleeting sentiment; it is a profound, transformative reality that shapes our lives, our relationships, and our world.
What is the Peace of Christ?
The peace of Christ is different from the peace we often seek in the world. It is not the absence of conflict, nor is it mere tranquility. Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27). His peace is a divine assurance that anchors us in the midst of uncertainty. It is the quiet confidence that comes from knowing we are held securely in the love and grace of God.
Peace Within
The peace of Christ begins within our hearts. It is the healing balm that soothes the wounds of sin, guilt, and fear. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). When we surrender our anxieties to the Lord, we make space for His peace to fill us, guarding us against despair and grounding us in hope.
Peace with Others
The peace of Christ also extends to our relationships. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This peace requires humility, patience, and a commitment to love others as Christ has loved us. In a world often marked by division and discord, we are called to embody the reconciling power of the Gospel by seeking unity and offering grace.
Peace in the World
The peace of Christ is not confined to our personal lives or communities. It has the power to transform the world. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, calling Him the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a kingdom of peace—a kingdom where swords are beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:4). As the Church, we are called to bear witness to this kingdom, living as agents of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Living in the Peace of Christ
To live in the peace of Christ is to cultivate a posture of trust in God. It means carving out moments of stillness to listen for His voice, spending time in Scripture to remember His promises, and engaging in prayer to align our hearts with His will. It also means extending the peace we’ve received to others—through forgiveness, acts of kindness, and words of encouragement.
This Advent season, let us embrace the peace of Christ, allowing it to reign in our hearts, our homes, and our church. Let us be people who reflect His peace to a world in desperate need of His calming presence. And as we celebrate His birth, may we proclaim with joy that the Prince of Peace has come and is coming again. Hope to see you on Sunday!
May the peace of Christ be with you all,
Pastor Tony
| |
Worship Service, Sunday, December 8th @ 9:30am
It's going to be another wonderful Sunday worship experience as we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent. Following the inspiring sermon by Pastor Tony entitled "Arise and Shine" based on the scripture ??? we'll also celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. Gathering around the Lord's Table is so special during this time of year.
This week we'll welcome Teresa Rhyne as a special musical guest. She'll be playing several duets with Gary this week during the service. It's always a special treat to welcome Teresa to our services. In addition, the Christ Methodist Chorale will sing an inspiring original composition by composer Mary McDonald, based on Matthew 1:23 entitled "Emmanuel! God with Us!" What a fitting anthem as we experience this Advent season, a period of waiting for the arrival of the Messiah!
Don't miss this special service at 9:30am at Lee-Scott! We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning!
| |
|
Mat & Savanna Shaw
Sunday, December 8th @ 6:30pm
Bottling Plant Event Center
(Downtown Opelika)
free admission
Mat and Savanna Shaw are a daddy-daughter duo that rose to prominence during the COVID-19 quarantine. Savanna, eager to keep in touch with her music friends, started a music social media account. Normally a shy and private teenager, she was nervous to sing her first song by herself, so she asked her dad to join her in singing “The Prayer.” After that video went viral, Mat and Savanna continued releasing duets on social media and streaming platforms, with singles charting in multiple countries. They quickly garnered a worldwide following, now resulting in over 640,000 YouTube subscribers. In October of 2020, their first album “Picture This” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Pop Chart and #1 on multiple billboard charts. They have now released a total of six albums, all of which have debuted at the top of iTunes, Amazon, and Billboard charts worldwide.
Mat and Savanna are now performing throughout the world, and have shared the stage with many other artists including Jim Brickman, Ryan Seacrest, David Archuleta, Neon Trees, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, and The Piano Guys. The New York Times said they “harmonize into billowy bliss.” Kelly Clarkson called them “incredibly gifted” and Good Morning America said, “this father-daughter duo’s music is bringing hope.”
Mat and Savanna’s uplifting song choices and harmonies have inspired people the world over. They have a passion for using music for good – often supporting charities, good causes, and providing inspiration with their performances. Their goal and mission is to share hope and spread joy through music.
| |
|
2024 Advent Devotional Now Available!
Our 2024 Advent Devotional is ready for you to pick up and use as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This year’s booklet includes 24 devotionals written by our very own CMCA family. This special resource is filled with daily Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers to guide you through this holy season. The booklets are ready for pickup for you to use for your daily Advent readings. Please only take one per family. You may pick them up at Greystone during the week (M-H, 8-4 and F, 8-12) or on Sunday mornings in the main lobby. Devotionals are also available through the church website and digital newsletter. Let’s journey together as a church family, anticipating the joy of Christmas and celebrating the hope, peace, love, and joy of Christ’s birth!
| | |
|
|
The Shepherd on the Search
Meet Chris the Shepherd. He was in the field when the angels told him and his friends about the birth of Jesus. From now until Christmas, he will be on a search for the manger. Follow Chris on our Facebook page (Christ Methodist Church of Auburn) as he begins his journey. Each weekday Chris will take a photo of where he is and ask that you participate in the activity included with his instructions. This is a great way for our children to get involved in the journey to the manger.
This Advent Season, we're excited to have Chris helping our children prepare for the birth of Jesus.
| |
|
Have you ever wondered what Advent is all about and why we
celebrate this important season in the Christian year?
| |
|
Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, December 8th
Mat and Savanna Shaw concert @ 6:30 (Bottling Plant Event Center)
Friday, December 13th
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra concert @ 6:30 (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 15th
Youth Tacky Sweater Christmas Party - @ 6-7:30pm (Hutcheson home)
Monday, December 16th
David Phelps concert @ 7pm (Lakeview Baptist)
Sunday, December 22nd
Lessons & Carols Worship Service @ 9:30
Ian Mulder concert @ 3pm (LSA)
Tuesday, December 24th
Children's Christmas Eve Service ("Happy Birthday, Jesus" party) @ 3pm (LSA cafetorium)
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service @ 5pm (LSA gym)
| |
|
Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School - December 15th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Tacky Sweater Christmas Party - December 15th @ 6-7:30pm (1881 Stoneridge Drive)
Tentative Youth Winter Retreat - date TBA
| |
|
Children's Music Ministries
We're thrilled that our children's choirs are up and running on Wednesdays. It's not too late for your children and grandchildren to join the fun.
-
Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
-
Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
-
Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
All groups will continue to meet each Wednesday at Greystone.
Sign up today by sending an email to gary@christmethodistauburn.com
| |
As we give from the heart, we sow seeds into God's kingdom. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Our giving will bring a harvest of blessings beyond what we can imagine. | |
|
Congregational Care
As a caring community of believers, we commit the names listed below for your prayers and expressions of love and care:
CMCA Family:
Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Melody Cruz, Pat Douglas, Emoree Claire Duff, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, Lynn Parker, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Mark Waldrip, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jessica Flurry Blalock, Nancy Flurry's granddaughter; Tim Boosinger; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Adam Cannon's (one of our New Birth helpers) brother; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Matthew Hood; Justin Johndrow, Sean Canaan's cousin; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Stephanie and William Philpott, Gayla Seller's daughter and son-in-law; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Sandy Robinson, Wanda Ptomey's cousin; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson; Chuck Dupree and Martha Cauthen, friends of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel
Hospitalized this past week:
Mark Waldrip (EAMC)
Emoree Duff (EAMC)
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
| |
www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
