Christmas at Friendship
Dennis Brown
Christmas and the Book of Revelation
This year, our BSF friends are studying the Book of Revelation. Someone said that people all over the world are flocking to BSF to study this book. It’s no wonder. With the world in crisis, people want to know if there is a meaning to history. Is there a plan? Is there an end--and is it a good one? Is anyone in charge? This Sunday, I will begin a special holiday season titled “Christmas and the Book of Revelation.”
Another word for Christmas is Advent which has to do with waiting. At the first Christmas, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna were all looking for a Messiah. He came in the person of Jesus. Today we look back to Bethlehem and wait in anticipation for his second coming--the second Advent.
Revelation says that there is one who is in charge--the lamb who was slain, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Let us draw hope for our lives and world from this book. After the holidays, we will resume our series “Dig Deep: Doctrine for Life” looking at great leaders in church history
Sunday December 20, Children’s Program, Indonesian Choir, Holiday Meal
On Sunday, December 20, the children under the direction of Yufen Ming, Alan Fiol, Anna Furness and some of our Indonesian students are diligently preparing for a special Christmas presentation. After the worship service, you are invited to an all-congregational meal. The church will provide the ham, and the potatoes, but we are asking you to sign-up this Sunday to bring sides and a desert. We will also need to organize three teams--set-up, serving and clean-up. Step up, serve and celebrate!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Our candlelight Christmas Eve service is Thursday, December 24 at 7:30 pm in the4th floor chapel. It will be a service of lessons and carols, readings in different languages from friends from all over the world, and meditation on the Christmas story. Afterward (weather permitting) we will gather on the roof to sing carols, light candles and drink hot cider together. Bring friends and introduce them to Jesus.
Shida Night Market Caroling
On Saturday, December 19, get your dinner and come to the fifth floor at 5:30 pm. We will eat together, practice the carols and then go to the Shida Night Market at 7 pm to announce to our friends and neighbors that Jesus Christ is born! At the end you are invited to come to my home nearby for hot chocolate.