Christmas Eve Circle of Light. December 24, 2023
 
A Retrospect on Christmas Joy with Marilyn Glover at the organ.

 

 

 

 

 

Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas day. Advent means ‘Coming’. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.

The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order.

 

Why celebrate Christmas? It reminds us to put our hope in the love of God through the birth of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Because we are helpless, God left His throne in heaven and decided to live among men. This is good to news. This is Christmas that we still can celebrate even in the midst of trouble, poverty, and in adverse circumstance. Jesus is present with us and our hope of eternal life assured.

Watch Video > Birth of Jesus Christ

First Sunday of Advent Worship Service >


The 76th Annual Festival of Carols  December 8, 2019


•  The 75th Annual Festival of Carols, December 9, 2018.


The 74th Annual Festival of Carols, December 10, 2017.


The 73rd Annual Festival of Carols, December 11, 2016.


The 72nd Annual Festival of Carols, December 13, 2015.


The 70th Annual Festival of Carols, December 8, 2013.


Christmas 2022

Dear Members and Friends,

With Advent well underway, I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” written by Charles Wesley.  Based on Haggai 2:7, the words invite us to remember Jesus’ birth through Advent and Christmas, but also remind us to anticipate Jesus’ eventual return.

Come, Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free.From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,Hope of all the earth Thou art.Dear desire of every nation,Joy of every longing heart.

I take comfort in the thread of hope that runs through these lyrics, and indeed runs through the Christmas season.  Each week as we light an additional candle in the Advent wreath, I feel a renewed sense of hope.  And with hope brings a reminder of Christ’s love, as Pastor Gary has been sharing with his sermon series on “Real Love”.

I invite you to attend the Christmas Eve service, as we continue sharing worship with the members of Maplewood Baptist Church.  We will gather on Saturday, December 24th at 7 pm in the Sanctuary to hear the message of Christmas through scripture and song.

An envelope is enclosed in the mail if you would like to give a special financial gift to the church in honor of Christ’s birth.  This may be mailed to the church office or placed in the offering plate during morning worship or on Christmas Eve.

May Christ be born again into each of our hearts this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

 

Michael Huddy
Moderator

 

 

 

Christmas 2021

Dear Church Family Members,

Christmas this year will once again be very different for many of us due to the changes of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic still impacts our lives, and while vaccinations and boosters have made a difference, the crisis is not over. At the same time, our church is in the middle of a pastoral transition.

Yet the promises of God remain sure and steadfast. The familiar Scripture passages of the Christmas story contain many themes, including: “Do not be afraid” (or the more emphatic translation “Fear not”). The shepherds as well as Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah all needed this reassurance from the angels.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in a town of David a
Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

Our trust in God is one way to manage fear.  During Advent we focus on the waiting time before Christmas.  It is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus which shows God’s love for us.  We hope you will be able to attend the traditional Christmas Eve service of scriptures, carols, and candles.  We will gather on Friday, December 24th at 7 pm in the Sanctuary.

If you would like to give a special financial gift to the church in honor of Christ’s birth, please use the envelope enclosed in a letter sent to you and mail to First Baptist Church 493 Main St., Malden, MA. 02148 or if you attend the services in church, you can place your gift in the offering plate near the entrance door to the Sanctuary.

May Christ be born again into each of your hearts this Christmas season.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests”.  (Luke: 2:14)

Fear not, and Merry Christmas!

 

Michael Huddy
Moderator

 

 

Pastor’s Christmas Letters through the years >

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