Are you enjoying this Christmas season to its fullest? Are you finding the peace and hope that the arrival of Jesus at Christmastime brought to this world and into our lives through a relationship with Him? I hope you’re finding the time to embrace all of what He has in store for you this holiday season through the relationships and parties we get to experience.
Yesterday, I was with the staff from all of our campuses. It was so much fun laughing together and reflecting on all that God had done this past year. There were new relationships He brought to us, new ministries, and the excitement of a new season we can now begin because of His presence in the world.
I love the Christmas Is Advent series and the idea that we’re waiting – that we’re people who wait and anticipate the arrival, not just of Christmas, but of Christ’s return. You are not going to want to miss this weekend as Doug Fields will be back teaching on joy. There will be a great surprise with some of the kids from our church. It will be a weekend you won’t want to miss. It will aim your heart at joy this season.
Look forward to seeing and being with all of you as we continue to walk out this Christmas season together.
The season of Advent is one of waiting for the Lord’s arrival as a baby in a manger. The story of His birth, His coming is miraculous, beautiful and sometimes hard for us to understand. Often, the beauty of the miracle gets lost in the hurry and distractions of the season. Let’s not miss it. Let’s wait with anticipation for what the Lord promises: comfort, joy, wonder and unfailing love.
Every day until Christmas, we’ll send you a devotional about Advent. They are reminders to tune our hearts toward God, the One who gave us the best gift ever: Jesus Christ. They’ll help us pause and remember why we celebrate.
Let’s walk through this season with hearts full of wonder and joy at the thought of the birth of God’s Son.
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We want to take this moment to recognize all that you have done this holiday season. Because of your radical love, lives across Orange County and around the world are being changed.
As a direct result of you taking tags, filling food bags, and giving your time (17,576 volunteers hours), at-risk youth and families in Southern California are able to celebrate a hopeful Christmas; parents in our communities are able to give 5,500 Christmas gifts to their kids, many for the first time; 600 families were able to have a delicious and warm Thanksgiving dinner with people who love them; food banks in Orange County, including our Resource Center, have been replenished with 2,400 bags of food; And with your donation of $430,514, people around the world will experience the love of Jesus.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Have you been walking in the peace that Jesus gives? Have you been the peacemaker that He calls you to be? I love the journey we’re on as we move toward Christmas together, remembering the gift of Jesus. Let’s embrace the wonder…the hope…the power…and the joy that a relationship with Christ brings, not only to our lives, but also through us to the world. Join us this weekend as we focus on hope – a hope that can transcend anything the world can throw our way.
Tomorrow night…don’t miss one of the most amazing opportunities for you, your friends and neighbors to enjoy. It’s the gift of community and relationship with our church at our annual Tree Lighting. This is the beauty of the gospel on display through laughter, joy, and relationship. It’s one of my favorite events that we do every year. I look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow night as we ring in this Christmas season together.
Join us for our annual Tree Lighting! Bring your family for snow, glitter tattoos, crafts, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, burgers, pizza, shopping at our outdoor Mariners Church Bookstore Christmas boutique and more! Questions? Visit the website for details.
Friday, December 5, free
Festivities from 4:30-6p and 7-8p on the patio and upper lawn
Program begins at 6p in the Worship Center
Join our volunteer team who will be hosting a new Community Outreach event in the Pipila neighborhood! Caravan down together in the morning and spend the afternoon with the kids at the church. Help with lunch, games, a craft and sharing the gospel. Online registration is required. Passports required for 16 and older. Those under 16 must bring a birth certificate. $40/adult; $20/child. Questions? Contact mexico@marinerschurch.org
Join us as we gather around the fireplace in song, praise, and prayer. With the Christmas season upon us, invite the women in your life as we stop to rest in the quietness as we celebrate The Light of the World. Linger after prayer with cookies, cider and Christmas carols on the patio. More info on the website.
We’re hosting an original Christmas-themed Elf dinner for JHM families! Wear ugly sweaters for the Ugly Sweater contest and style in the photo booth, and get ready for a family dinner served elf-style! Bring your JHM student along with the entire family for community, fun, and food! Contact Kristen with questions.
Saturday, December 13
7-9p in the Student Center Room 2, free
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you get to spend time with family and friends, relaxing, eating, watching football and most of all, being thankful! I loved the reminder last weekend from Kenton about how Thanksgiving moves us closer to who God is and who we are called to be as His kids…so keep making your list of things to be grateful for everyday.
This weekend, I’m excited as we lean into Christmas together. That’s right, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday…the shopping season has begun! The world is going to try and steal our time, our money, our relationships and our hearts. This weekend, we’re launching our Christmas Is series. I’ll be talking about what we need in order to make sure we don’t miss the beauty, the wonder, the truth and the hope of the Christmas season. Grab family and friends and come – let’s move through this season together with God and one another.
