RECEIVING HOPE IN BETWEEN TWO ADVENTS

1 Pet. 1:3-9 describes both the gifts God has given in Christ and the promised gifts yet to be received. At His first coming (or “Advent”), Jesus came bearing new birth, forgiveness from sin and the gift of His Spirit, all of which we receive through faith in His name now. Yet, there are still gifts - namely an eternal inheritance, which we have yet to receive, but which God has promised to us when His Son returns (the second “Advent”). So as receivers of these gifts and promises, how do we live in the in-between? In the face of a 2021 that’s likely to look a whole lot like 2020, how do the gifts and promises of the two advents inform how we live in between the two advents? Listen to the final sermon in our 2020 Christmas series to learn more.

Listen to this week’s sermon here.

WE HOPE YOUR CHRISTMAS IS FULL OF THE RICHES OF CHRIST

As you celebrate this Christmas holiday, we hope you experience the blessing of being surrounded by family and the warmth of holiday tradition and celebration. More than anything, though, we hope you experience the comfort and peace of knowing that Jesus was born to save you from your sins, bring a peace like none other and reconcile you to your Heavenly Father. May your celebration of Christmas be a worshipful expression of praise to the One whom the Father sent to earth out of love for you.

SEE YOU SOON!

Our 45 minute Christmas Eve service is tonight, held outdoors in the Ebell Courtyard with a message preached in both English and Spanish. We’ll have coffee, cocoa and cookies available for you to enjoy. Consider bringing a blanket and jacket to keep warm!

Masks and social distancing will be required.

DECEMBER 21-27

Every Tuesday we publish a blog to share what’s going in the life of the church for that week. See below for a snapshot of what’s on the calendar this week:

DECEMBER FALLOW MONTH REMINDER

• It’s our annual Fallow Month- Small groups & Men’s & Women’s meetings are cancelled. We do this so you can press into natural and more intimate opportunities to relate to your church family and neighbors. The holiday season is notoriously one of the busiest times of the year. We want to help you to take advantage of the few free moments you have to spend unhurried, unscheduled time with one another and with family for the grand purpose of allowing your heart to be re-fertilized by the work of Christ. .

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

• 5:00pm: Ebell Club of Santa Ana- Meeting Room - Outdoor Courtyard. Coffee, Hot Cocoa and Cookies provided! Bring a blanket to stay warm!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27: CHRISTMAS SUNDAY GATHERING AT THE EBELL CLUB

• 10:00am - Meeting Room - Outdoor Courtyard.

KRISTA HAS SERVED US WITH EXCELLENCE FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF

Krista Alvarez has taken a position with another organization and her time as our church administrator will conclude on January 8. She was the very first staffperson hired on at Cross of Grace Santa Ana. As the first church administrator, she built systems and procedures, assisted the pastoral team and served the church in a way that leaves us with nothing but gratitude toward God for the grace evident in her during her time as an employee of the church.

THANK YOU, KRISTA

While it’s admittedly sad to lose Krista as our admin, she is leaving with the full support of the pastoral team on great terms, will continue to be an active member of the church and deserves our collective thanks for a job well done over the past year and a half. When you next see her, take an opportunity to extend to her a meaningful expression of thanks.

THIS MEANS … WE’RE HIRING!

As Cross of Grace continues to grow and to faithfully proclaim the Gospel to those who believe and to our neighbors, the need for administrative support remains high. If you or anyone else you know in the church are interested in filling this role, click on the page below and submit an application to be considered.

CGSA Administrative Assistant Description

A 45-MINUTE BILINGUAL CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Christmas is upon us. Our neighbors have a palpable sense of need for hope and joy. Bring them, family members and friends along this Christmas Eve to hear the message of a joy great enough to overcome the sorrows of 2020. The 45 minute service will be held outdoors in the Ebell Courtyard and will include a message preached in both English and Spanish.

Masks and social distancing will be required.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 5:00PM AT THE EBELL CLUB OF SANTA ANA

JESUS EXCHANGED INFINITE RICHES FOR POVERTY

The “riches” of Christmas that come in the form of holiday cheer, nostalgia, gifts and tasty food are enjoyable, but fleeting. Too often, Jesus is included as one treasure among others - not only at Christmastime, but in all seasons. The reality is that Jesus is the reason for all seasons. Why? Because He, the Creator-King, the Lord over all, the Son of God Himself … became poor by taking the form of a servant and being born in human flesh (Phil. 2:6).

WE EXCHANGED INFINITE POVERTY FOR RICHES

But the glory of the Gospel and the wonder of Christmas is that Jesus exchanged His riches for poverty so that we through His poverty might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). Listen to last week’s sermon and fill up on the riches of Christ.

Listen to last week’s sermon here.

Who Can You Invite to this Service?

For the second year in a row we will be hosting a Christmas Eve service right here in DTSA. This service is an excellent opportunity for us to reach out to our friends, family, and neighbors - many of whom may not know the deep and all-satisfying joy of the birth of Christ. The 45 minute service will be held outdoors in the Ebell Courtyard and will include a message preached in both English and Spanish.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 5:00PM AT THE EBELL CLUB OF SANTA ANA

Free COVID-19 At Home Testing

Orange County has made COVID-19 testing at home available for residents at no direct cost. This method is both a safe and convenient testing option that can be utilizing as the case numbers continue to rise.

Head to this website for all the details including, how to register for a kit and where you can go for in person testing.

ASK GOD TO DO WHAT ONLY HE CAN

Keep sending us your prayer requests. We’ll keep sharing them (anonymously) and share other suggestions for how you can be praying during the week. It’s important to know how to pray for one another and to ask the Lord to guide us, sustain us and encourage us each individually in this season.

1. Pray that the Lord would draw us near to unbelievers who are aware of their need for hope this season. Pray that He would move on them to come and hear the Gospel preached.

2. Pray for those experiencing renewed financial loss due to the second round of shutdowns.

3. Pray for those who have been exposed to the virus - pray for health, protection and wisdom to know how to safely proceed with confidence in the sovereignty of God.

4. Pray for those who are ill - with covid or with any other illness. Pray for restoration and healing from the Holy Spirit.

5. Pray for the timeless traits of the church to continue to be evident in our local church.

6. Pray for those who are grieving.

7. Pray for those facing difficult decisions.

8. Pray for those who are isolated and unable to be with family/community during this Christmas season.

9. Pray for the requests of individuals who have shared them on our church Slack prayer channel. If you have questions about how to be added to this, email office@crossofgracesa.org

   KEEP SENDING PRAYER REQUESTS TO PRAYERS@CROSSOFGRACESA.ORG