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Advent Joy: A Season of Rejoicing
As the days grow shorter and the seasons change from fall to winter, we find ourselves immersed in the season of Advent—a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Amid the candles, carols, and holiday gatherings, one of Advent’s central themes calls to us: JOY. It is a calling for a heartset, mindset and lifestyle defined by joy that is more profound than a fleeting moment of happiness; it is a joy rooted in the good news of Jesus Christ.
What Is Advent Joy?
Advent joy is a gift that emerges from the assurance of God’s presence and the fulfillment of His promises. It is the same joy that Mary proclaimed in her Magnificat, singing, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). This joy is not dependent on circumstances; it is grounded in the steadfast love and faithfulness of our Lord.
In the midst of the busyness of the holiday season, it can be easy to lose sight of this deeper joy. We may feel overwhelmed by to-do lists, financial pressures, or even the ache of missing loved ones. Yet, the message of Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the joy that comes from God alone.
Joy in Community
At Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, we have countless opportunities to experience and share Advent joy as a community. Whether it’s gathering together in worship, witnessing the wonder of the provisions God has brought in our church family, or sharing in the joy of lives being eternally impacted through our outreach ministries, we are reminded that joy is multiplied when shared.
One of the most powerful ways we experience Advent joy is by serving others. When we give of our time, talents, gifts, service and witness, we not only bless those around us but also experience the deep fulfillment that comes from living out the love of Christ. This Advent, consider how you can bring joy to someone in need—a neighbor, a coworker, a friend, or even a stranger.
The Source of Our Joy
Ultimately, Advent joy points us to the heart of the season: Jesus Christ. The angel’s announcement to the shepherds on that holy night still resounds today: “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” (Luke 2:10-11). This good news reminds us that God’s love entered into the world in the form of a tiny baby, bringing salvation and hope for all.
This Advent season, let us commit to being a people of joy—a joy that is resilient, steadfast, and rooted in the love of God. May we shine as lights in the darkness, reflecting the radiant joy of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Rejoice, Christ Methodist Church family, for the Lord is near!
In Christ’s joy,
Pastor Tony
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Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
Friday, December 13th @ 6:30pm
Trinity Church - Opelika
Free admission
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra is an exciting horn-driven band that continues to wow crowds with their incredible, unique sound, that defies genres. From timeless classics and hymns, to original songs that inspire. This is one band that your whole family will enjoy!
DMHO was formed by a group of friends at Belmont University in 1999. They have traveled across the world, playing at churches, conferences, and festivals. They have performed at two Olympic Games (2002-Salt Lake City, 2004-Athens), and were the house band at the 2005 Gospel Music Association Music Awards.
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Worship Service, Sunday, December 15th @ 9:30am
It's going to be a great service of celebration as we join for worship on Sunday. This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent and we're thrilled to welcome Denver and the Mile High Orchestra as our musical guests. Your hearts will be stirred by their amazing musicianship. As part of the season of Advent we'll also light the third candle of the Advent wreath by the Ham family. Our Chorale will sing the inspiring "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" arranged by David Wiilliamson. This fresh, contemporary setting is based on the familiar text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This stirring anthem has been one of our choir's favorites throughout this Christmas season.
Pastor Tony will also deliver a powerful message entitled "When Joy Overflows" based on Psalm 126. This Psalm of joy and gratitude will be a powerful reminder of the peace and Joy the Lord brings not only at Christmas but every day of our lives.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at Lee-Scott at 9:30!
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David Phelps
Monday, December 16th @ 7:00pm
Lakeview Baptist Church - Auburn
Free admission
David Phelps is an American Christian music vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer who is best known for singing tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band. He has also released several solo albums, including four Christmas collections.
Phelps was part of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1997 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2017. He shared the tenor part with Wes Hampton from 2009 to 2017. In early 2017, he left the group to focus on his solo career. He was replaced by Reggie Smith. Phelps has won twelve Dove Awards (with the Gaither Vocal Band), is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and has had several platinum-selling projects.
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2024 Advent Devotional
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!
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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.
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Have you ever wondered what Advent is all about and why we
celebrate this important season in the Christian year?
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Upcoming CMCA Events
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)
Sunday, December 29th
NO WORSHIP SERVICE OR SUNDAY SCHOOL due to maintenance on the gym floors.
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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
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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.
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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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
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Last Advent Music Live at 12:05 - Wednesday, December 18th
Join us for the last Music Live at 12:05 this Wednesday at Trinity Methodist in Opelika. This program will feature our Voices in Bronze Handbell Choir. They'll be ringing some of your Christmas favorites including "And the Glory of the Lord," from The Messiah, "Pat-a-Pan," and "Carol of the Bell." Also featured will be soprano soloist Jacquie Cruz sharing some poignant and stirring Christmas favorites. We hope you'll join us for this last Wednesday performance of the 2024 concert season.
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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. | |
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Year-End Giving Reminders
The end of the year is almost here! For your year-end contributions to qualify as a 2024 tax-deductible donation, the IRS requires that they must be received or postmarked by December 31, 2024. Here are the specific deadlines:
BY MAIL: The postmark date on the envelope must be no later than Tuesday, December 31st.
IN PERSON: If you wish to drop off your contribution, the office will be open until 4pm on Monday, December 30th and closed on Tuesday, December 31st.
ONLINE GIVING: Online gifts must be entered before midnight, December 31st. Click "Giving" on the church’s website, www.christmethodistauburn.com, and follow the step-by-step instructions.
TEXT GIVING: Text gifts must be submitted by midnight, December 31st. Text the word "Give” to 855-645-3493 and you will receive a message with more instruction.
STOCK: Stock gifts must be transferred to the church before the stock market closes at 3:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, December 31st.
Please contact office for more information.
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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
In Sympathy:
As a church family, we extend our deepest sympathy to Gene and Lucy Gilmore upon the death of his mother, Patty Gilmore, on Thursday.
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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