"As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world," John 9:5. These words spoken by Jesus do not fall within the context of the Christmas stories contained in the gospels but they are most certainly appropriate to Advent. As we approach the Christmas season most homes and our own church will be lighted in many different ways. Our altar table will hold candles, the Advent wreath will contain purple, pink, and white candles. The Chrismon tree will also be lighted in a most wonderful way. All of these lights serve as a notice to the world that we expect something magnificent to happen.
Indeed it is true that something magnificent did happen about 2000 years ago. The One who claims to be the light of the world left His rightful place in glory "But made Himself of no reputation taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men." Phil. 2:7. It is ironic that this glorious One who came to be the light of the world was born at night, in the darkness. Stars and angels lit up the sky in announcement of His birth. Because of Him "the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining." I John 2:8.
The shining of this light gives us expectation, salvation and exhilaration. Advent is the season of expectation because we look back at the birth of Jesus and ahead to His return. Advent is from a Latin word meaning "coming" or "to come." If we were planning to entertain guests at our home we would have the house lit up, the porch and driveway lights on and perhaps even a fire burning in the fireplace. All of this would be done to welcome the friends we were expecting. In the same way we welcome Jesus with candles and light.
The coming of Jesus is not only a source of expectation but also contains the offer of salvation. Philip Bliss wrote a beautiful song entitled The Light of the world is Jesus. In it he reminds us that "The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin." Into this darkness came Jesus who took our sin upon Himself. Because of His sacrifice we have hope that we can be set free of our sin and the darkness sin brings with it.
Finally the advent of Jesus gives us exhilaration because in the hope of His coming is a perfect world. We who long to see His appearing will be given new bodies to live in a new world. In this new world there will be no temple, sun nor moon Rev. 21:23. As John reminds us "The Lamb is its light" Rev. 21:23. In the light of a new world we will enjoy the water of life and the tree of life. There shall be no more curse because as Isaac Watts reminds us in Joy to the World "His blessings flow far as the curse is found" To live eternally cursed in a cursed world is not exactly what most of us would enjoy, but to live eternally in bodies that never get sick nor wear out in a perfect world is a tremendous blessing. "And the Spirit and the bride say come!" May we all now in Advent say "Come Lord Jesus!"
In Christ
Your Pastor
T.R. Miller
top
Spiders aren't the only ones who have webs! Long Memorial has spun one of its own. Check us out at: http://www.longmemorialumc.org
top
On Sunday, December 16th, the United Methodist Men will have their annual church wide December breakfast. This time of fellowship will be at 8:00 A.M. in the Harris Hall. Everyone is invited to attend!
top
Finance Committee Committee - Thursday, December 6, 7:00 P.M. - Library
Building Committee - Tuesday, December 11, 7:00 P.M. - Library
We have 65 pledges received for $210,178 or 56% of our 2008 Budget. Please return all pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete our financial pledging.
top
Long Memorial will have their annual Love Feast worship service on Sunday, December 9th at 5:00 P.M. in the church sanctuary. A nursery will be provided. This is a beautiful service that you and yours will long remember. Plan to worship with us!
top
This year there will be two Christmas Eve services. The first one will be at 5:30 P.M. in the Chapel. The second service will be held at 7:00 P.M. in the church sanctuary. A nursery will be provided for both services.
top
top
| 9:00 AM Worship Service |
| December 2 | - | Stephanie Linville |
| December 9 | - | Jessie Saunders |
| December 16 | - | Jill Strickland |
| December 23 | - | Stacey Paith |
| December 30 | - | Janet Clayton |
| 11:00 AM Worship Service |
| December 2 | - | Loudell Long |
| December 9 | - | Diana Stovall |
| December 16 | - | Larie Carter |
| December 23 | - | Felicia Allen |
| December 30 | - | Emily Humphries |
top
| December 2 | - | Kaitlyn Long & Sarah Bayliff |
| December 9 | - | Patrick Morgan & Charles Rhew |
| December Lovefeast | - | Josh Pleasants & Brandon Pleasants |
| December 16 | - | Anna Wesley & Brooke Peed |
| December 23 | - | Hannah Blaylock & Kelsey Pleasant |
| December 30 | - | Wyatt Kimbrough & Jackson Kimbrough |
| December 4 | - | Patti Morgan |
| December 6 | - | Nita Green |
| December 8 | - | George Gentry |
| December 10 | - | John Robert Kirby |
| December 11 | - | MscKenzie Clayton, Sam Eason |
| December 12 | - | Fran Westmoreland, Dolly Denton |
| December 14 | - | T.J. Miller |
| December 15 | - | Becky Brann |
| December 16 | - | Brian Lowery, Daphne Crumpton |
| December 18 | - | Ed Harvey |
| December 19 | - | Mark Allen |
| December 20 | - | Charlie Stewart |
| December 21 | - | Clay Tuck |
| December 22 | - | Ron Johnson |
| December 23 | - | Huldah Berryhill, Marion Tillett |
| December 25 | - | Bob Blanks |
| December 27 | - | Harvey Ellis |
| December 28 | - | Cathy Lowery, Karla Peed |
| December 29 | - | Nannette Carver |
| December 30 | - | Will Carver, Claiborne Tuck, Carol Silbaugh |
top
Members of the prayer chain are offering daily prayers for those on our prayer list. If you, or someone you love, would like daily prayers for a special need, please call Marcia Miller at 599-2284.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to:
- the family of S. Grant Boone, Jr.;
- Joey Pleasants and family in the death of Joey's mother, Bea Pleasants;
- the family of Pridmore Thomas.
Find God's best gift and put Him in the center of your holidays,
for without Jesus there would be no Christmas.
- Carol Silbaugh - At home following surgery
- Alice Klinker - At home
- Connie Mundy - At home
- Frances Wright - PMH
- Tommy Humphries - At home
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSLETTER OR BULLETIN PLEASE E-MAIL IT TO: pwade@esinc.net
9 A.M. - Early Service - Chapel
9:45 A.M. - Sunday School
11 A.M. - Worship - Sanctuary
top
