Celebrating Christmas at Calvary Advent 2020

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY ADVENT 2020

Christmas is… LOVE JOY PEACE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY ADVENT 2020

Scripture quotations are from the ESV ® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

TEXT

Charles Wesley, 1744

TUNE

Rowland H. Prichard, 1830

ADVENT 2020 3 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

ISAIAH 9:2 his has been an unforgettable year. In 2020, our lives have been upended by COVID-19. Also, the divisions in our nation and our communities have Twidened. It is easy to be frustrated, fearful, and even angry.

Yet in the midst of these uncertain and discouraging days, we are reminded that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).

With the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate that our Savior has come! Jesus brings light to our darkness and a message of hope to our troubled world. Yes, followers of Jesus are people of light and hope.

In Christmas, we find the glorious good news of the Gospel and the love, joy, and peace that is ours, now and forever, in Christ.

This Christmas season, I invite you to celebrate with us at Calvary. Use this weekly Advent guide to read and meditate on Holy Scripture as we focus on the coming of our Savior. And as the shepherds did long ago, invite others to come worship. May many experience this life-changing good news of love, joy, and peace.

Warmly in Christ,

John H. Munro SENIOR PASTOR His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9:6 ADVENT WEEK 1

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Christmas is…

— THIS WEEK AT CALVARY —

Sunday, November 29 Worship with us at 8:30 & 11:00 am Advent Organ Concert at 6:00 pm

“For to us a child is born” — Isaiah 9:6

FULFILLED PROPHECY IS ONE OF THE GREAT PROOFS for the accuracy and inspiration of Holy Scripture. The Old Testament was written over a period of about 1500 years, but from Genesis 3:15 there is the promise of a Savior. In the progress of revelation, the prophecies of the coming Messiah become clearer and clearer. Read these prophecies and reflect on their fulfillment in Jesus the Christ!

GENESIS 3:15 ISAIAH 7:14

The Promise of a Savior The Sign of Immanuel

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, and between your offspring and her offspring; the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call he shall bruise your head, his name Immanuel.” and you shall bruise his heel.”

ADVENT 2020 7 ISAIAH 9:1–2, 6–7 ISAIAH 42:1–4

For to Us a Child Is Born The Lord’s Chosen Servant

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. Behold my servant, whom I uphold, In the former time he brought into contempt the land of my chosen, in whom my soul delights; Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time I have put my Spirit upon him; he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond he will bring forth justice to the nations. the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, 2 The people who walked in darkness or make it heard in the street; have seen a great light; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; on them has light shone… he will faithfully bring forth justice. 6 For to us a child is born, 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged to us a son is given; till he has established justice in the earth; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and and the coastlands wait for his law.

His name shall be called MICAH 5:2

Wonderful Counselor, The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem

Mighty God, But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, Everlasting Father, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me Prince of Peace. one who is to be ruler in Israel,

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace whose coming forth is from of old, there will be no end, from ancient days. on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it ZECHARIAH 9:9 with justice and with righteousness The Coming King of Zion from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

8 CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY ISAIAH 53 like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. Who has believed what he has heard from us? 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? and as for his generation, who considered 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, that he was cut off out of the land of the living, and like a root out of dry ground; stricken for the transgression of my people? he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and no beauty that we should desire him. and with a rich man in his death, 3 He was despised and rejected by men, although he had done no violence, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and there was no deceit in his mouth. and as one from whom men hide their faces 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 he has put him to grief; Surely he has borne our griefs when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; and carried our sorrows; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and yet we esteemed him stricken, be satisfied; smitten by God, and afflicted. by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; make many to be accounted righteous, he was crushed for our iniquities; and he shall bear their iniquities. upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and with his wounds we are healed. and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; because he poured out his soul to death we have turned — every one — to his own way; and was numbered with the transgressors; and the Lord has laid on him yet he bore the sin of many, the iniquity of us all. and makes intercession for the transgressors. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;

THINK ABOUT

What Old Testament Scripture would Why did the Jewish nation Why do so many people today fail to you show to someone who believes the largely fail to see that Jesus see “Christ” in Christmas? Bible is just ancient history or myth? was fulfilling Scripture?

ADVENT 2020 9 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

JOHN 3:16 ADVENT WEEK 2

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Christmas is…

— THIS WEEK AT CALVARY —

Sunday, December 6 Worship with us at 8:30 & 11:00 am

“God so loved the world” — John 3:16

IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO THINK OF CHRISTMAS WITHOUT LOVE. Little children love getting presents and all of the excitement of Christmas. As we get older, we love the Christmas memories we share, singing Christmas carols, family gatherings, and reaching out to those in need. We thank God for His amazing love and grace in sending Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself on the cross for us. Reflect on God’s love for you and your love for others, including the poor, the hungry, the marginalized.

1 JOHN 4:7–12

God Is Love world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and whoever loves has been born of God and knows and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

ADVENT 2020 11 PSALM 103:10–19 JOHN 1:1–5, 14–18

Bless the Lord, O My Soul The Word Became Flesh

He does not deal with us according to our sins, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with nor repay us according to our iniquities. God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, with God. 3 All things were made through him, and so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 12 as far as the east is from the west, In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The so far does he remove our transgressions from us. light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, overcome it. 14 so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; And the Word became flesh he remembers that we are dust. and dwelt among us, and we 15 As for man, his days are like grass; have seen his glory, glory as of he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, the only Son from the Father, and its place knows it no more. full of grace and truth. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This and his righteousness to children’s children, was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks 18 to those who keep his covenant before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his and remember to do his commandments. fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came and his kingdom rules over all. through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

JOHN 3:16–17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

12 CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY ROMANS 5:1–11 REVELATION 1:5–8

Peace with God Through Faith To him who loves us and has Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we freed us from our sins by his have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into blood and made us a kingdom, this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of priests to his God and Father, the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, to him be glory and dominion 4 and endurance produces character, and character forever and ever. Amen. produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

THINK ABOUT

In reading these Scriptures, How have you shown This Christmas season, think of what did you learn about your love for God and ways you could surprise someone the love of God? your love for others? with your love for them.

ADVENT 2020 13 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

JOHN 15:11 ADVENT WEEK 3

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Christmas is…

— THIS WEEK AT CALVARY —

Sunday, December 13 Christmas Concerts at 9:45 am & 6:00 pm

“Good news of great joy” — Luke 2:10

CHRISTMAS IS INCONCEIVABLE WITHOUT LAUGHTER, smiles, grateful hearts, and praising God as we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” God is characterized by infinite joy. And at Christmas, that joy came to earth and forever changed our world! Even in this difficult year, may you experience the indescribable joy of Christmas in your heart, in your home, and in your relationships. Experience the joy of the Lord, and it will be your strength.

LUKE 2:8–12 great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for The Shepherds and the Angels behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be And in the same region there were shepherds out in the for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

ADVENT 2020 15 MATTHEW 2:1–12 JOHN 15:9–13

The Visit of the Wise Men “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose your joy may be full. and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be that someone lay down his life for his friends.” born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it

is written by the prophet: PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Christ’s Example of Humility are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort for from you shall come a ruler from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection who will shepherd my people Israel.’” and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and mind, having the same love, being in full accord and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and conceit, but in humility count others more significant search diligently for the child, and when you have found than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did rose went before them until it came to rest over the place not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of return to Herod, they departed to their own country by Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and another way. under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

16 CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY NEHEMIAH 8:10 PSALM 122:1

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord I was glad when they said is your strength.” to me, “Let us go to the house ISAIAH 35:10 of the Lord!” And the ransomed of the Lord shall return

and come to Zion with singing; PSALM 95:1–2 everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; they shall obtain gladness and joy, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! HEBREWS 12:1–2

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

THINK ABOUT

Why are we sometimes not joyful? This Christmas, how will you be intentionally joyful? What distracts from our joy? In what ways will you bring joy to others?

ADVENT 2020 17 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 9:45 am & 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary & via Livestream

CALVARYCHURCH.COM/ CONCERT I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

TEXT Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1864

TUNE John B. Calkin, 1872

ADVENT 2020 19 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

ROMANS 5:1 ADVENT WEEK 4

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Christmas is…

— THIS WEEK AT CALVARY —

Sunday, December 20 Thursday, December 24 Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 am Candlelight Christmas Eve with Christmas Communion at 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 pm

“Peace on earth” — Luke 2:14

HOW WE LONG FOR PEACE, not only in our troubled world but also in our hearts and homes. This is the message of Christmas, “Peace on earth.” Jesus comes as the ultimate peacemaker. “For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). No Christ — no peace. Know Christ — know peace!

LUKE 2:13–14 ISAIAH 26:3–4

Glory to God in the Highest Perfect Peace

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on the heavenly host praising God and saying, you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

ADVENT 2020 21 MARK 4:35–41 ROMANS 5:1–5

Jesus Calms a Storm Peace with God Through Faith

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he Through him we have also obtained access by faith into was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him 4 and endurance produces character, and character and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and because God’s love has been poured into our hearts said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why

are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they PHILIPPIANS 4:4–9 were filled with great fear and said to one another, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let “Who then is this, that your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in even the wind and the everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving sea obey him?” let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ISAIAH 48:18 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is “Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever Then your peace would have been like a river, is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

22 CHRISTMAS AT CALVARY EPHESIANS 2:13–18 LUKE 2:29–32

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have Jesus Presented at the Temple been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has according to your word; broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might and for glory to your people Israel.” reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 JOHN 20:19–21

And he came and preached Jesus Appears to the Disciples

peace to you who were On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the far off and peace to those doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to who were near. them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to to the Father. them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” JOHN 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

THINK ABOUT

In what ways have you The message of Christmas reminds Scripture encourages us to been troubled, anxious, us not to focus on our difficult “Be still and know God” and worried this year? circumstances but on Jesus, who brings (Psalm 46:10). Will you be What has shaken you? peace. Are you a peacemaker, or are still this Christmas? you attracted to dissent and argument?

ADVENT 2020 23 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary & via Livestream

CALVARYCHURCH.COM/ CHRISTMASEVE Silent Night

TEXT Josef Franciscus Mohr, 1818

TUNE Franz Xaver Gruber, 1818

All is calm, all is bright…

ADVENT 2020 25

hanks for celebrating Christmas with us at Calvary! Do you understand God’s plan of salvation, and have you received Jesus Christ as your TSavior and Lord? God sent His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, into our O come, world to live a perfect life in order to make the perfect sacrifice for our sins. With His death, let us adore Him, burial, and resurrection, we can be saved, our Christ the Lord sins forgiven, and find peace with God. Do you know this Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with our Savior, whose birth we celebrate? Reach out to Him today. He invites you to come to Him. Pray humbly to Jesus to forgive your sins, and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life. “For unto YOU is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

At Calvary, we are focused on being and making authentic followers of Jesus Christ. Join us for

worship on Sunday mornings at 8:30 or 11:00 am, or watch at live.calvarychurch.com. Explore our ministries and opportunities to connect and serve for all ages at calvarychurch.com.

Have questions about following Christ? New to Calvary? Connect with us and let us know how we can pray for you. Text NEW to 704 543 1200, or email us at [email protected]. ■

ADVENT 2020 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

JOHN 14:27

FOR THE WORD OF GOD AND FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST

REVELATION 1:9