Theme of Love
This week we relit the first three candles of the Advent wreath. The candles of HOPE, PEACE and JOY. Now
we light the candle for the fourth Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of LOVE.

Scripture and Reflection
Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the Good Shepherd. Advent is a time for
kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us
his most precious gift. The apostle John says it like this,

John 3:16, NIV
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This is probably the best-known verse in the Bible. “John 3:16” is flashed in ball parks and memorized
in Sunday school classes. Why is it so beloved? Because it tells us about God’s love – the reason
that the Father sent his Son on Christmas day. “He gave his one and only Son” that Christmas morn.
Why? Because he loved the world so much – not the physical globe, but the people whom he had
created. Struggling, confused, exuberant, depressed, striving and sinful. He loved them. He loves us!
That is why Jesus came.

In the way Jesus relates to hurting people, we can see that love, that compassion. His gentle words –
“my daughter” – to the woman who touched the hem of his garment. His encouragement to Peter who
had betrayed him – “Feed my sheep, Peter, I haven’t given up on you.” His
compassion for the crowds whom he saw as “sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus came on Christmas
morn out of the Father’s love. And in spite of persecution and crucifixion, even a history of saints and
sinners inside and outside of his Church, his love for us is undiminished this Advent season.

Bible Project Video: LOVE

Reflection Questions

1. When Jesus arrived, God’s love became an embodied reality in our world. The God of the
   Bible doesn’t merely express love through Jesus; he is love. As a triune God—Father, Son,
   and Spirit—he always has been and forever will be an others-centered, self-giving, communal
   being who thinks, feels, and acts with pure love. Read 1 John 4:16 and John 15:9-13, taking
   note of the triune relationship and the theme of living and abiding. What do you observe?
2. Read Mark 12:29-31 and take note of how Jesus quotes the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Leviticus 19:34). How does loving God relate to loving other people?
3. The Hebrew Bible records the history of the ancient Israelites as they struggle to follow the commandment to love God and others. If Israel had difficulty with this, how can we hope to do any better? Jesus helps us when he adds a new commandment to empower the greatest commandment. Compare John 13:34 with Mark 12:29-31. What is the difference between these two commands? How does Jesus enable us to follow the greatest commandment?
4. Agape love is not primarily a feeling that happens to people. This kind of love is a choice to act in ways that offer well-being to others. Using Paul’s definition of love from 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, consider how Jesus loves us. How is Jesus patient, kind, humble, and selfless toward us? How does this kind of love challenge more popular, modern notions?
5. Jesus says that the ultimate standard of authentic love is how well you treat the person you can’t stand—your enemy. Let that settle in as you read Luke 6:27-36. Notice how God shows kindness to ungrateful, dishonest, and violent people. What does this say about God’s character? Consider how Luke 6:36 describes God. How do you think love and mercy relate to one another?

Mission & Outreach Hurricane Relief Project

We are supporting Samaritan’s Purse in their efforts to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. You may give by checking the box “Hurricane Relief” on Simple Give, listing “Hurricane Relief” on your envelope on Sunday, or by visiting the table in the Gathering Area. Sunday, December 22 is the last day to give.

End of Year Gifts to the Church

Please have all end-of-the-year gifts to the church by Sunday, Dec 29 (or SimpleGive by Sunday, Dec 22) to be included on your 2024 Giving Statement. Thank you for your generous living!

2025 Tanzania Mission Trip – Info Meeting

Sunday, December 29, 11:30am in Rm 101

We are planning a mission trip for the summer of 2025. This meeting is for those who are interested and would like more information about the trip.
 

Theme of Joy
This week we relit the first two candles of the Advent wreath. The candles of HOPE and PEACE. We
also lit the candle for the third Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of JOY.

Scripture and Reflection
As the coming of Jesus, our Savior, draws nearer, our joy builds with our anticipation of his birth.
From the Book of Isaiah we read the words of our Lord:

Isaiah 65:18, NIV
“But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create
Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.”

From the Gospel of Luke we read,

Luke 2:10-11, ESV
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.’”

The shepherds hear the angel’s proclamation, and indeed are filled with both awe and joy. They are
mere shepherds, considered by some as the lowest of the low. But the angel comes to them. No one
else, but to them and gives them the news of a momentous event, the birth of the Messiah. Filled with
joy they careen down the hills into the town, find the stable and manger, and kneel before the Christ
Child.

Joy is an emotion of exaltation that comes from a new realization, an event of blessing, a state of
blessedness. And surely the shepherds feel that. But as the years progress and they tell the story to
their children’s children, the sense of wonder and joy remains. An angel has spoken to them! The
angel spoke of a physical birth. But there is also a spiritual dimension – the joy that breaks upon us
when we finally grasp that Jesus loves us in spite of ourselves, forgives all our sins and past failings,
and takes up residence in our lives. Then the initial joy melds into an enduring joy of companionship
with the Lord.

Bible Project Video: JOY

Reflection Questions

1. The Israelites choose a path apart from God. As a result, they get exiled from their land and
   dominated by foreign nations. But the prophet Isaiah knew that sorrow would not have the final
   word with these people. He looked forward to the day when Yahweh would end pain and
   corruption to lead them into endless, joyful living. Read Isaiah 49:13 and Isaiah 51:11. What
   does Isaiah tell us about God’s character in these passages? What does Isaiah say will
   happen to God’s people?
2. The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the coming of Israel’s redeemer. His prophecies were fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus. Read Luke 2:9-11. Why were the shepherds afraid? What reasons did the angels give for them to rejoice instead?
3. Joy can persist in the harshest of circumstances because it depends on God and his promises. Read Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 13:50-52, and Hebrews 12:1-3. According to these passages, what specific truths about God can sustain joy even through painful or dire situations?
4. When we see how Jesus’ loving way of life has overcome death itself, joy starts to become strangely reasonable. But this doesn’t mean it is wise to ignore or suppress sorrow. Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. How did Paul integrate both joy and sorrow?
5. Take time to discuss any other themes, questions, or key takeaways from what you learned together.

Mission & Outreach Hurricane Relief Project

We are supporting Samaritan’s Purse in their efforts to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. You may give by checking the box “Hurricane Relief” on Simple Give, listing “Hurricane Relief” on your envelope on Sunday, or by visiting the table in the Gathering Area.

End of Year Gifts to the Church

Please have all end-of-the-year gifts to the church by Sunday, Dec 29 (or SimpleGive by Sunday, Dec 22) to be included on your 2024 Giving Statement. Thank you for your generous living!

Sisters Retreat

Save the date! February 14 – 16, 2025. For all ladies and girls 7th – 12th grade.

Theme of Peace
This week we relit the first candle of HOPE, and lit the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This
is the candle of PEACE.

Scripture and Reflection
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From
the Gospel of Luke:

Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God
and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor
rests.’”

Jesus is sent by the Father to bring peace between God and man. We are caught up in struggle,
strife, and sin. Jesus doesn’t come, however, to smooth over our conflicts. Nor does he come with
armed might to force us to lay down our arms. Rather, he comes to die for the sins that lie at the heart
of our rebellion against him. The Prince of Peace takes upon himself our sins and unrest. As Isaiah
put it,

Isaiah 53:5b, NIV
“the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed.”

To receive his peace this Christmas, come to him in surrender and, through this act of faith, receive
his grace of forgiveness and rest.

Bible Project: PEACE

Reflection Questions

1. The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future king who would make a covenant of
   shalom (peace, well-being) with his people. This king would set the world right and heal all that
   has been harmed. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What specific words or phrases stand out to you as you
   observe this passage and why?

2. The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would
   lead to eternal shalom. Jesus’ arrival fulfilled Isaiah’s words. Read and reflect on Luke 2:9-15
   as a group. Why do you think God announced the King’s arrival to no-name shepherds? What
   does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom?

3. The biblical story shows how humanity often chooses a way of life apart from God and suffers
   as a result. According to Colossians 1:19-23, what did God want to do to remedy this pain, and
   how did he accomplish his desire through Jesus?

4. Jesus offers his peace to all people as a gift. Read Ephesians 2:11-16. How did Jesus make
   peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why did he do it
   (see Ephesians 2:16)?

5. Now, let’s carefully read Ephesians 4:1-3. How can humility, gentleness, patience, and love
   help maintain the unity Jesus calls his followers to? What happens to unity when one of these
   virtues is missing?

Mission & Outreach Hurricane Relief Project

We are supporting Samaritan’s Purse in their efforts to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. You may give by checking the box “Hurricane Relief” on Simple Give, listing “Hurricane Relief” on your envelope on Sunday, or by visiting the table in the Gathering Area.
 

ECC Students

Sunday, December 8: Progressive Dinner – For those registered, meet at ECC at 3:30pm

Sunday, December 15: DOER Group Christmas Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange, 6-8pm. Dinner served at 5:30pm.

Blood Drive

Thursday, December 12 at ECC, 12-6pm

Help the Blood Center avoid critical blood shortages during the holidays by giving the gift of life. Be a hero for someone in need, give blood this week.
 

Christmas Eve Service

Tuesday, December 24, 6pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.

We invite you to join us in worship as we celebrate the story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through music, reflection, and scripture.
 

Theme of Hope This week we lit the first candle of the Advent wreath. This is the candle of HOPE.

Scripture and Reflection With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we receive God’s light as we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.”

Hope looks to God and waits on him with a firm expectation that he will fulfill his promises. Allied with hope are the ideas of faith and patience, endurance and trust, of joy and a settled peace that God will do what he says he will do. Isaiah the prophet also said,

Isaiah 40:31, NIV “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Israel had been beaten down by a succession of world powers – Babylon, Persia, the Greeks, and now Rome. In their distress, they call out, “Come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” Yet in the cry there is hope, a strong expectation that God will keep his promises to send a Messiah, a Deliverer. The hope is fulfilled on the first Christmas Day when Jesus is born in Bethlehem, God’s Savior sent to planet earth to save us from our sins and deliver us from whatever oppresses us. People live in hope of One who can help them. Jesus is that Person, present today by the Holy Spirit to deliver us from any need. He is the One we hope for.

Bible Project Video: HOPE

Reflection Questions

1. Read Genesis 8:6-12 (note the mention of 40 days of waiting). After the earth suffers long under humanity’s violence, God resolves to wash away corruption while preserving Noah and his family. The rain pours down, and for months Noah sways back and forth in an ark. He needs to yakhal (wait) in the middle of animal waste and landless seas. So what assurance is Noah waiting to receive? And how does the dove deliver that assurance?

2. Read Psalm 130. The psalmist is sure that if God preserved a record of sin, everyone would be washed out—it’s a scary thought. What specific things about God bring the psalmist relief? What does he yakhal (wait) to receive from God?

3. Keep Psalm 130 in mind. What do you think the psalmist would do if he did not wait on God for healing and forgiveness? How do you think despair might lead to violence and corruption? Consider how the process of forgiveness removes corruption while preserving life. How is this similar and different from the flood and Noah’s long wait on the ark?

4. Read Luke 2:22-33 and pay special attention to details about the setting. Then, check out and note the mention of 40 days of waiting (33+7). Why do Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and Simeon go to the temple that day? What is Simeon waiting on God to do for Israel?

5. Let’s examine a few key verses, starting with Luke 3:15-16. Who does John the Baptist say the people have been waiting for? Now, read Luke 3:21-22 and compare the message that accompanied the Spirit (appearing as a dove) with the message of Noah’s dove. What similarities and differences do you notice?

6. How does the arrival of Jesus bring relief and assurance? Take time to discuss this and any other themes, questions, or key takeaways from what you learned together.

ECC Students Progressive Dinner

Sunday, December 8. Meet at ECC at 3:30pm

We will eat 3 courses at different homes and end with dessert at the church. Sunday is the last day to register on our website.

Advent Devotional

If you are looking for a devotional for Advent, stop by the Welcome Center. We have a limited number of free devotionals available. We also have a few copies of an Advent Journal by Joan Parsons for $5.
 

Christmas Eve Service

Tuesday, December 25, 6pm. Doors open at 5:30pm

Join us for the story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through word and song.

Poinsettias for Christmas

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia ($10) to help decorate the church, please fill out a form at the table in the Gathering Area. 
 

Advent Description
Advent begins Sunday. We wanted to share with you what you can expect in the coming weeks. Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, is a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. This time is more than just a countdown to a holiday, but a season for you, your family, and the church family to draw closer to Jesus. All with the hope of knowing His presence, hearing His voice, and walking in communion in a fresh way.

Advent Wreath
We celebrate Advent by putting up an Advent Wreath and lighting candles each week. The use of the
wreath and candles during Advent are a tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the
Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.
The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which
is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no
beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, and the everlasting life we find in Jesus Christ.
The candles also have their own special significance. The candles represent the four weeks of
Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is
a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, repentance, and sacrifice. Each candle brings us
closer to the time when we recall His birth as well as His Second Coming.

The Four Themes of our Advent Celebration this year:
HOPE
PEACE
JOY
LOVE

The Bible Project
Each Sunday, we’ll be sharing a word study video from the Bible Project focused on each of the four
themes above. This is their advent study series. We encourage you to seek out these videos weekly,
but also the reflection questions that are provided for each. We desire for each person at ECC to use
this season to prepare our hearts for Christmas, and this resource is an excellent (and simple) way to
do that.

ECC Students – Money Wall Fundraiser

ECC Students are raising money to help fund ECC Student mission trips, retreat scholarship funds, and service projects. Sunday is the last day to stop by the wall to choose an envelope for your donation and talk to a student about how they are learning to know and live for Jesus.

Advent Devotional

If you are looking for a devotional for Advent, stop by the Welcome Center. We have a limited number of free devotionals available.  We also have a sample copy of an Advent Journal by Joan Parsons that can be ordered for $5.

Poinsettias for Christmas

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia ($10) to help decorate the church, fill out a form Sunday at the table in the Gathering Area.