Grace Avenue UMC

Through the Lens
December 2 – December 31, 2017

2017 Advent & Christmas Information

The birth of Christ is viewed today through a variety of perspectives. Some see it as a season of parties and over-indulgence. Some see it as a hectic exercise in consumerism. Some see it as the most depressing time of the year. Is this what God intends? What would happen if we viewed the incarnation of God as an opportunity to see the world in a whole new way.

Scripture Readings

Dec. 2/3: Isaiah 2:1-5
Through the Lens of Hope

Dec. 9/10: Isaiah 11:1-10
Through the Lens of Peace

Dec. 16/17
(Special Music Presentation)
Through the Lens of Joy

Dec. 23: Luke 1:46-55
Through the Lens of Love

Dec. 24: Luke 2:1-20
Through the Lens of Glory

Dec. 30/31: Luke 2:22-40
Through the Lens of Salvation

Suggested Resources & Reading

Hidden Christmas:
The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ

by Timothy Keller

Watch for the Light:
Readings for Advent and Christmas

by selected authors

Hundred Dollar Holiday:
The Case For A More Joyful Christmas

by Bill McKibben

The Soul of the Camera:
The Photographer’s Place in Picture-Making

by David duChemin

A New Set of Eyes
by Paula D’Arcy

Unplug the Christmas Machine
by Jo Robinson & Jean Coppock Staeheli

The Anatomy of Peace:
Resolving the Heart of Conflict

by The Arbinger Institute