December 18, 2017
Dear Friends,
The Bible tells us that, wearied by travel across a barren and harsh landscape, the Holy family sought refuge in an inn at Bethlehem. Can you imagine Mary and Joseph’s disappointment when the innkeeper informed them that there weren’t any vacancies? All would have been a loss except for the gracious innkeeper who offered the couple a stable located at the back of the inn. In that stable was the manger which provided warmth and shelter for the baby Jesus.
An ordinary act of simple hospitality lies at the heart of the birth of Jesus Christ!
Before the world would know the graciousness of God who was born to serve, to die and to rise, Mary, Joseph and our Lord would know an ordinary act of hospitality by the innkeeper. Hospitality is a sure sign of Christmas!
There are many people whose travels through life have left them wearied. Such people flock to churches this time of year yearning to hear “Good News”. Some are familiar with the Christmas story and it draws them back because they still hear the voice of the “Good Shepherd”. Others may know little about the story but are drawn out of curiosity. They may wonder, “Is there really something to all of this?”. As God’s Church we are called to offer hospitality to such as these. To those we say– take heart for, “today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord”. Luke 2:11-12 He is the One who gives rest to the wearied, grace to the sinner, hope to the desperate, joy to the despondent, and light & life to all who believe!
In proportion to grace given to you, give generosity this Christmas. By doing so, Wesley Church can offer programs of outreach, evangelism, and nurture that touch people’s lives. Like the Innkeeper gesture, our ordinary acts of hospitality, become an extraordinary means of grace to those seeking refuge. Your support makes this possible. May the innkeeper's hospitality be your guide this Christmas and always!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Doug
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
9 PM
Dear Friends,
The Bible tells us that, wearied by travel across a barren and harsh landscape, the Holy family sought refuge in an inn at Bethlehem. Can you imagine Mary and Joseph’s disappointment when the innkeeper informed them that there weren’t any vacancies? All would have been a loss except for the gracious innkeeper who offered the couple a stable located at the back of the inn. In that stable was the manger which provided warmth and shelter for the baby Jesus.
An ordinary act of simple hospitality lies at the heart of the birth of Jesus Christ!
Before the world would know the graciousness of God who was born to serve, to die and to rise, Mary, Joseph and our Lord would know an ordinary act of hospitality by the innkeeper. Hospitality is a sure sign of Christmas!
There are many people whose travels through life have left them wearied. Such people flock to churches this time of year yearning to hear “Good News”. Some are familiar with the Christmas story and it draws them back because they still hear the voice of the “Good Shepherd”. Others may know little about the story but are drawn out of curiosity. They may wonder, “Is there really something to all of this?”. As God’s Church we are called to offer hospitality to such as these. To those we say– take heart for, “today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord”. Luke 2:11-12 He is the One who gives rest to the wearied, grace to the sinner, hope to the desperate, joy to the despondent, and light & life to all who believe!
In proportion to grace given to you, give generosity this Christmas. By doing so, Wesley Church can offer programs of outreach, evangelism, and nurture that touch people’s lives. Like the Innkeeper gesture, our ordinary acts of hospitality, become an extraordinary means of grace to those seeking refuge. Your support makes this possible. May the innkeeper's hospitality be your guide this Christmas and always!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Doug
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
9 PM