by Bill McClung Jr.

COURTLAND
Everyone in the community is invited to attend Courtland United Methodist Church, for a four-week series based on the Advent themes of hope, love, joy and peace called “God With Us,” every Sunday at 11 a.m.

A remarkable thing happened that first Christmas, just as Isaiah had prophesied 700 years earlier — Jesus was born as Immanuel — which means “God with us!” Courtland United Methodist  believes Christmas can still truly give us a taste of the most wonderful time of world history. The true light came into the darkness and stress and pain of the world — our world. Miraculously, we continue in God’s story of love every day as he promises to be with us always.

To often our world feels dark, lonely and broken. The Advent season comes to remind us that 2,000 years ago the world also felt that way. But then on one special night the Light of God came into the dark world as a baby born in a stable in Bethlehem.

In a season often marked by frenzied busyness, Advent is an opportunity to set aside time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. The relevant messages in this series are designed to help us place our focus on the greatest gift ever given — and to experience his presence in our lives today.

We believe that with, lighting of the Advent candles, some special music, and familiar Christmas carols, this series is the perfect opportunity for families throughout the community to come together to celebrate this special season.

Courtland United Methodist Church is located at 22416 Main St. For more information, find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.comCourtlandUMCVa/?ref=bookmarks; visit our website:

http://www.courtlandumcva.org/  or call 653-2240.

REV BILL MCCLUNG JR. is the pastor of Courtland United Methodist Church. Contact him at 653-2240.