In Nan Bauroth in Christmas: An Annual Treasury (Vol. 66, Augsburg). Christian Reader, Vol. 34, we discover the very first manger scene:
“In 1224, inspired by the sight of shepherds tending their flocks in the moonlight, St. Francis of Assisi asked a wealthy friend from Greccio, Italy, to help him construct a live manger scene (the first ever). The idea caught on. By the 15th century, nativity scenes proliferated in monasteries and churches throughout southern Europe. Today, perhaps the finest collection of miniature nativity scenes in the world is found in Munich’s National Museum of Bavaria where more than 200 are displayed.”
Today, on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves anxious to come to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Today, our congregation will open wide her doors to welcome people to God’s house for several unique worship experiences:
December 24th at Hyde Park Community UMC
9:00 a.m. Communion in the Chapel
9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship, 4th Sunday of Advent in the sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Worship @ 11, Contemporary Worship in the sanctuary
4:00 p.m. Family Service with Childrens Choirs, Candlelighting, and Carols
6:00 p.m. Communion Service with acoustic praise band, Candlelighting and Carols
8:30 p.m. Worship with Brass, Choir, Candlelighting, and Carols
11:00 p.m. Worship with Brass, Choir, Candlelighting, and Carols
December 24th at Over-The-Rhine Community UMC
10:30 a.m. Worship, preceded by Community Breakfast
5:30 p.m. Worship with Candlelighting and Carols
I invite you to pray about who God is nudging you to invite to join you in worship, walking with you to the manger to celebrate Christ’s birth? People without a church home are very receptive to accept invitations to worship in December.
May God fill your heart with the greatest gifts that cannot be found underneath your tree this Christmas: hope, joy, love, and peace.
Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Cathy Johns