BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in downtown Meridian. This Sunday is Christmas Eve around the world. At Central, in addition to our usual 3-morning worship services at 8:30, 9:45 and 10:55 a.m., we will also offer three very special Christmas Eve services that will include special music, the Christmas story read from Matthew and Luke, Holy Communion, and candle lighting. Everyone is invited to come to Central United Methodist Church on 22nd and 23rd Avenues at 10th Street for any of these marvelous celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ, our creator, redeemer savior, Emmanuel, the one who is with us throughout our lives. O, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Have you ever imagined how you might react if an angel came down to you and told you “do not be afraid…”? I think we can all agree that we would do quite the opposite...we would be very afraid. Often times, God will call us to do things that may seem difficult or downright impossible. In my personal experience, God likes to do that. He likes to make us uncomfortable. If you can honestly tell me you have read the Bible and have not found anything uncomfortable, then I want to read your Bible because mine must be very different. When God calls us out of our comfort zones, we cannot resist. We have to recognize that we are His body, and he needs us to do things we may not like. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive Jesus, her response was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” So, if you find yourself afraid of what God has called you to do, it’s okay. Be afraid. But accept the calling and acknowledge that you are his servant.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Have you ever imagined how you might react if an angel came down to you and told you “do not be afraid…”? I think we can all agree that we would do quite the opposite...we would be very afraid. Often times, God will call us to do things that may seem difficult or downright impossible. In my personal experience, God likes to do that. He likes to make us uncomfortable. If you can honestly tell me you have read the Bible and have not found anything uncomfortable, then I want to read your Bible because mine must be very different. When God calls us out of our comfort zones, we cannot resist. We have to recognize that we are His body, and he needs us to do things we may not like. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive Jesus, her response was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” So, if you find yourself afraid of what God has called you to do, it’s okay. Be afraid. But accept the calling and acknowledge that you are his servant.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
BENJI
I love this time of year, and the memories of Christmas past. Yet, we seem to be more focused on the future and the next best thing. This time of year seems to center around the next gaming console, the next smartphone, the next toy that our kids just have to have, only to find they enjoy the box it came in instead. Each year around this time, we rush to get to the next store, to get that next item, to get past the holiday, and to get to next year. Can we do something different this week? Let’s not let “the next” get in the way of celebrating the past and seeing the awe-inspiring moments of comfort and joy that manifest this time of year. Many of our homes will be brimming with family and friends. Hit the pause on life, if just for a moment, and be present for them. Also, know that many homes will be quite empty, so open yours to those who are alone this Christmas. And if that person is you, please know that you are not alone, for God traveled from heaven to earth to a manger to bring us heavenly peace.
I love this time of year, and the memories of Christmas past. Yet, we seem to be more focused on the future and the next best thing. This time of year seems to center around the next gaming console, the next smartphone, the next toy that our kids just have to have, only to find they enjoy the box it came in instead. Each year around this time, we rush to get to the next store, to get that next item, to get past the holiday, and to get to next year. Can we do something different this week? Let’s not let “the next” get in the way of celebrating the past and seeing the awe-inspiring moments of comfort and joy that manifest this time of year. Many of our homes will be brimming with family and friends. Hit the pause on life, if just for a moment, and be present for them. Also, know that many homes will be quite empty, so open yours to those who are alone this Christmas. And if that person is you, please know that you are not alone, for God traveled from heaven to earth to a manger to bring us heavenly peace.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
SABRINA
We all hate to wait…whether it be at a stop light, in line at the store, or for someone to answer a door. We are just impatient. While the world waited for years for Jesus birth, we have this time of Advent to wait and prepare for the celebration of our Lord and Savior. All the while remembering that because of that birth over two thousand years ago, our world forever changed. Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon you. Then as you continue through your day, waiting in the long lines or in the traffic, remember this is a time of joyful anticipation of a birth that was foretold to a people desperate for hope and salvation. Is it really any different today? Paraphrasing the angel's message to the shepherds - “For unto you, was born a Savior, Christ the Lord”. Go in peace.
We all hate to wait…whether it be at a stop light, in line at the store, or for someone to answer a door. We are just impatient. While the world waited for years for Jesus birth, we have this time of Advent to wait and prepare for the celebration of our Lord and Savior. All the while remembering that because of that birth over two thousand years ago, our world forever changed. Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon you. Then as you continue through your day, waiting in the long lines or in the traffic, remember this is a time of joyful anticipation of a birth that was foretold to a people desperate for hope and salvation. Is it really any different today? Paraphrasing the angel's message to the shepherds - “For unto you, was born a Savior, Christ the Lord”. Go in peace.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. During a trip to the Holy Land in 1865, Philips Brooks went to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and worshiped there. He was deeply moved by this experience. Three years later, while pastoring the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, Brooks desired to have a special carol for the children to sing in their Sunday school Christmas program. Recalling the peaceful scene in the little town of Bethlehem, Brooks completed the writing of the text in just one evening. He gave a copy of the words to his organist, Lewis R. Redner, and requested him to compose a melody that would be easy for the children to sing. On the evening just before the program was to be given, Redner awakened suddenly from his sleep with the present melody in his mind, and he quickly wrote it out. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" has been a favorite with children and adults around the world since that time. May this Christmas bring you the peace that Philip Brooks experienced.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. During a trip to the Holy Land in 1865, Philips Brooks went to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and worshiped there. He was deeply moved by this experience. Three years later, while pastoring the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, Brooks desired to have a special carol for the children to sing in their Sunday school Christmas program. Recalling the peaceful scene in the little town of Bethlehem, Brooks completed the writing of the text in just one evening. He gave a copy of the words to his organist, Lewis R. Redner, and requested him to compose a melody that would be easy for the children to sing. On the evening just before the program was to be given, Redner awakened suddenly from his sleep with the present melody in his mind, and he quickly wrote it out. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" has been a favorite with children and adults around the world since that time. May this Christmas bring you the peace that Philip Brooks experienced.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Friday, December 15, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. By now, you have probably spent a lot of time, energy, and money on holiday preparations. You’ve shopped for food, bought your presents, and cleaned the house just in time for company. But have you taken time to focus on the birth of our Savior and made time for him in your preparations? “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel which means God with us.” This Sunday, December 17, during our 10:55 worship service, our Sanctuary Choir and Holiday Orchestra will present our Christmas Program “Behold Him”. Scripture will be read. Carols will be sung. Music will aid our preparation for the coming of the Christ child. Perhaps you should make the time to prepare your heart and mind as well? Join us this Sunday for our Sanctuary Christmas Program: “Behold Him” and let the focus of your Christmas preparations not be on yourself but on Jesus. Come and adore him, Christ the Lord.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. By now, you have probably spent a lot of time, energy, and money on holiday preparations. You’ve shopped for food, bought your presents, and cleaned the house just in time for company. But have you taken time to focus on the birth of our Savior and made time for him in your preparations? “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel which means God with us.” This Sunday, December 17, during our 10:55 worship service, our Sanctuary Choir and Holiday Orchestra will present our Christmas Program “Behold Him”. Scripture will be read. Carols will be sung. Music will aid our preparation for the coming of the Christ child. Perhaps you should make the time to prepare your heart and mind as well? Join us this Sunday for our Sanctuary Christmas Program: “Behold Him” and let the focus of your Christmas preparations not be on yourself but on Jesus. Come and adore him, Christ the Lord.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Thursday, December 14, 2017
GLENDA
Today, I want to tell you about some Christmas traditions. First of all, it’s the most important birthday of all times, and it’s celebrated all over the world. It’s a celebration that brings joy, gifts, and the singing of traditional worship songs while feasting with a joyous connection to family and friends. Did you know the white lights on the Christmas tree represent the purity of Christ and the heart that lives for Him? And how about the holly? It’s an evergreen plant and it represents eternal life. This is what we are promised through Jesus Christ. Candles represent the light and life of Christ that shines upon all men. One thing that Jesus loved to do when He was on earth was to eat with those He loved thus the tradition of family feasting, and those wonderful Christmas carols draw loved ones together and fill the heart with praise for our Savior. It is purely about bringing Jesus honor and loving those whom God has blessed us with. My hope for you this Christmas is that you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!
Today, I want to tell you about some Christmas traditions. First of all, it’s the most important birthday of all times, and it’s celebrated all over the world. It’s a celebration that brings joy, gifts, and the singing of traditional worship songs while feasting with a joyous connection to family and friends. Did you know the white lights on the Christmas tree represent the purity of Christ and the heart that lives for Him? And how about the holly? It’s an evergreen plant and it represents eternal life. This is what we are promised through Jesus Christ. Candles represent the light and life of Christ that shines upon all men. One thing that Jesus loved to do when He was on earth was to eat with those He loved thus the tradition of family feasting, and those wonderful Christmas carols draw loved ones together and fill the heart with praise for our Savior. It is purely about bringing Jesus honor and loving those whom God has blessed us with. My hope for you this Christmas is that you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!
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