At Bloomfield, we definitely believe that "Jesus is the reason
for the season!" In our society, however, it seems that Christmas
is becoming increasingly Christ-less. Christmas is less and less welcome
in schools and public places. The holiday shopping season begins earlier
each year. We believe that Christians, following Jesus' call to be salt
and light in this world, have a responsibility to stand up for the real meaning
of Christmas. Therefore we are very deliberate and very public in our
witness the Savior who was born in Bethlehem. It is our hope and prayer
that the whole world, like the Wise Men, will seek after and find Jesus, the
Desire of all nations. "But when the time had fully come, God sent
his Son, born of a woman, born under law, (Galatians 4:4, NIV).
This is our life-size Nativity Scene, which our Deacons made
in time for the Christmas season in 1990 and which was refurbished in 2006.
We light it at night so that our neighbors and passersby will be reminded of
the beautiful Christmas story. "But the angel said to them, Do not
be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord." (Luke 2:10-11, NIV).
The Deacons led us in putting up our
Christmas decorations. In this picture you can see the new ribbons, maroon
intertwined with gold. They're very striking against the greenery, and
the three colors together tell the Christmas story. The green of the wreath
represents the new life that Jesus came to give us. The gold stands for
His title of King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The red reminds us of His
precious blood, shed for us so that we can be forgiven for our sins.
But if decorating were all we did for Christmas, our Lord would
not be very happy with us. Christmas is about giving, even as God gave
us the very best gift in His Son. We take the cheer of Christmas to the
shut-ins of our church and community through Christmas Caroling. We'll
meet at the Manse (parsonage- 5580 Friendship Drive) on Saturday, December 9at
2:00 P.M., and return to the church at 4:00 P.M. for a time of food and fellowship.
What joy to see their eyes light up, and to hear them join in singing with us!
It's a small foretaste of Heaven!
We also worship at Christmastime, with our annual Christmas Service, which will be held this year on Sunday, December17 at 7:00 P.M.. The children of the church will lead us in retelling the wonderful story of Christmas in the warm glow of candlelight. We'll have a time of fellowship and refreshment afterward.
For more information on any of these events call (740) 826-4151 or e-mail us. You're very welcome to join with us for any or all of these Christmas events.