FAITH MATTERSdecember 2025WhyAdvent?
2| FAITH MATTERS | DECEMBER 2025WHAT IS THIS “ADVENT” THING? ISN’T GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS ABOUT DECORATING AFTER THANKSGIVING AND FINDING THE BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEALS? GETTING THE LIGHTS UP? CYBER-MONDAY AND A LITTLE GIVING-TUESDAY Or, maybe there are some more essential preparations.For centuries, people of faith have spoken of \"Preparation\" as part of the church Calendar. Churches have observed two major seasons of Spiritual Preparation—Lent in the spring, leading to the Resurrection, and Advent in the winter, leading to the birth of Christ. These are seasons that remind us, as Believers, of the greatest gift God gave in His Son. This is the essence of the Gospel! By tradition, Lent is a 40-day season that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. Sundays are excluded from the 40-day count. Lent is a time of prayerful introspection, fasting, andconfession. Advent is quite different. Advent is a season of prayerful Expectation and Hope for four Sundays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Advent can last between 22 and 28 days. (In case you need to know that for a Trivia challenge.) The two \"Preparation Seasons\" are quite different. Lent is a time of \"Giving Up\" - when one may give something up for God, or fast as a prayerful offering. Lent is 40 days long because this is the length of time that Jesus fasted in the wilderness before starting public ministry. Advent is a time of \"Lifting Up\"— when we offer up hopeful praise. We give thanks for the long prayers of Expectation and Hope that were answered and fulfilled in the \"Advent\" or big Event of Jesus coming to us. Advent is a great time to be together at Faith Fellowship as we celebrate the season of Expectation and Hope. Advent helps us keep focused when everything around us seems frenzied. This Advent at Faith, we are studying prayer as Jesus taught us to pray by his words and example. In Luke 11, we are digging into the Pattern of Prayer, the Persistence of Prayer, the Promise of Prayer, and the Provision of Prayer. If you ever wanted to grow in your life of Prayer, now is the time. This month, we are singing songs of Hope and reading Scriptures of prophetic Expectation. We are offering a daily Advent Prayer guide that is available for your family in Church and online. Don't get lost in the sales and wrapping. There is so much to place our Hope in.See you in Church.Pastor Jeff SENIOR PASTORDR. JEFF HOYcelebrate christmas evecandleLIGHT WORSHIP4PM & 5:30PMLive nativity & refreshments5pm INVITE YOUR FRIENDSAND FAMILY
DECEMBER 2025 | FAITH MATTERS | 3to God, and blessing the people of earth with the kind of peace that can only come with the favor from the highest God. I think about how the shepherds decided to see for themselves and said, “Let’s go and see this thing that has happened, that the Lord told us about.” I try to position the characters to be looking right at the Christ child, who is beautifully lying in the feeding trough, wrapped in swaddling clothes. What a wonderful site it must have been for the shepherds to find their Messiah, wrapped in strips of linen, sleeping in a manger! I see the Angel above, who must have been watching the whole event to make sure the couple was led to a private stable for the birth of the new king to take place. To the left, I place the camels and the Wisemen. I know that these Magi didn’t actually arrive the night Jesus was born, but are still an important part of the story. According to the scripture in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, they came to the family house in Bethlehem, and found toddler Jesus there with His mother. It’s interesting that after a two year journey from the east, the travelers stopped in Jerusalem and inquired of King Herod as to the whereabouts of the one who had been born king of the Jews. Then with information from the ancient scrolls, they discovered from the famous prophesy, in Micah 5:2, the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, just five miles away. They followed that star to complete their journey to be able to worship the Christ. Our wooden camels seem to be loaded down, carrying the gifts, they wanted to give to the young king. Each one of the men bowed down and worshipped Jesus, by presenting their treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then after being warned in a dream, the Wisemen went home a different route and did not return to Jerusalem to inform King Herod where they had found the young king. MY FAVORITE THING TO PUT OUT, IN OUR HOME, AT CHRISTMAS TIME, IS THE OLIVE WOOD NATIVITY SET PASTOR JEFF AND I PURCHASED, THROUGH THE YEARS, ON PILGRIMAGES TO ISRAEL. It gets the place of honor on the credenza, which is the first thing you see as you come in the front door. As I unwrap each carved piece, I like to think of how all these people played a special part in the big plan of God to send His Son to earth, to become the Savior of the World. Each character played a special part in The Lord’s plan to enable people to become part of His eternal family and live with Him in Heaven forever. They help us focus on the most important reason for the season: Jesus! There’s the faith filled teenage girl, Mary, who was willing to give up her reputation and her dreams of her future life in exchange for being obedient to her new calling. When she was told by the Angel Gabriel that she was highly favored by the Lord, to bear the Son of God, she made the declaration, “I am the Lord’s Servant. May it be to me, as you have said.” What an incredible young woman! She changed history for all time. Then there is Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, who changed his mind about taking the pregnant Mary, as his wife, after the visit from the Angel in his dreams. What a faithful husband he became to Mary! What an incredible stepfather he was for the Christ child! God knew what He was doing when He chose this man! His spiritual sensitivity to hear from the Lord, and then do what He said, saved all of their lives several times. Little did this young couple know that they would have to travel seventy five miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem and then after arriving, find no room in the Inn. But then I look at the stable cave, and see that God provided for all their needs, in His perfect timing. I always put the shepherds to the right side of the stable, and line them up with their sheep and a goat. Some shepherds look old. Some seem very young. Some are standing. Some are kneeling. I think about how the angel encounter they experienced on that starry night, changed their lives forever, as they heard the good news that the Savior had been born that night inthe ancient birth town of King David. Then the whole skywas full of an army of the Heavenly choir saying their praise I hope you have the opportunity to take some time to reflect on the difference these characters played in the Christmas story. I wonder how you and I will have roles to play this year, so others will know the story too.Lots of Love, Pastor Ann PASTOR OF YOUTH ANDCHRISTIAN EDUCATIONPASTOR ANN HOYThe Nativity
4 | FAITH MATTERS | DECEMBER 2025CELEBRATE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MUSICWITH THE FFC CHOIR!SUNDAY DEC. 21 9AM & 10:45AMA MESSAGE FROM OUR WORSHIP PASTOR:WORSHIP PASTORMICHAEL LAWThere is always a place for you... We are always looking for new people to get plugged into the worship arts ministry. The choir meets seasonally, and the worship team and praise band serve weekly inspiring us and drawing us into sweet times of worship with our God. We are always looking for qualified musicians to join our teams and become part of our community. If you have experience in one of these areas and would like to serve, please reach out to Pastor Mike by e-mail at [email protected]. Our tech teams, who assists our musicians, are always looking for committed and flexible individuals who can problem solve quickly. These teams keep our services moving and adjust to the changes that can occur. Pastor Paul or I will get you connected if you are interested. As we move into a new year, please consider becoming a part of something that impacts us all. -25FFC WINTER CONFERENCE 2026Mark Your Calendars!Guest Speaker: January 23 - 25More informa�on coming soon...Brian Burgess
DECEMBER 2025| FAITH MATTERS | 5THE MASTER’S WORKSHOPTREEANGEL25 CHILDREN ARE RECEIVINGGIFTS FROM OURANGEL TREE.FINAL COUNT ON OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOE BOXES BEING SENTTO CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD:FROM OUR CHURCH FAMILY...FFC COLLECTED 242 FILLED BOXESFFCAS AN OFFICIAL ‘DROP OFF SITE”...FFC COLLECTED 1,625 FILLED BOXESPURCHASING OF AN ORNAMENT PROVIDES 2 MOSQUITO BED NETSFOR CHILDREN IN UGANDAPURCHASE ORNAMENTS HANDMADE BY UGANDANREFUGEES IN OUR LOBBY THROUGH DEC. 24.MUTABA TREE BARD STARS, BANANA LEAF ANIMALS ANDBEADED WIRE ANGELS AND STARS $15 EACH OR 2/$25CLOTH ANIMALS $10 EACHFFC IS COLLECTING TOYS, BIBLES, CHRISTIAN LITERATURE AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AGES INFANT THROUGH TEENAGERS. PLEASE BRING AN UNWRAPPED GIFT TO THE WORSHIP CENTER ON DECEMBER 14. THANK YOU!
6 | FAITH MATTERS | DECEMBER 2025PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 5TH GRADEINFANT NURSERYTWO’S & THREE’SA SAFE AND EXCITING PLACE WHERE CHILDREN DISCOVER HOW MUCH GOD LOVES THEM.OPEN HOUSE PAGE COMING2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
DECEMBER 2025 | FAITH MATTERS | 7 The Old Testament closes…and then history enters 400 years of silence. No prophet. No fresh word from the Lord. Just waiting. If ever there were a time when God’s people longed to hear His voice, it was during those centuries of quiet expectation.Then, suddenly, the silence begins to tremble.A whisper - A stir - A message. An angel appears to Zechariah, promising a son he never imagined possible. Then, an angel visits Mary, announcing that she would carry the Messiah. And then, as if God wanted to leave no doubt, an angel appears to Joseph confirming that her unbelievable story was true. God was speaking again—even if only in glimpses and moments. Over the next thirty years, God’s voice became more clear. The Messiah walked among us. The Word became flesh and spoke with human breath. The long night was ending—Light had come.Advent marks the breaking of that silence, the fulfillment of God’s promise that a Redeemer would come. For centuries the world seemed dark and lonely, but Jesus shattered the silence when He declared: John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” After those years of quiet preparation, Jesus began His ministry—calling disciples, gathering followers, even drawing skeptics and seekers who longed to hear God once again. And He didn’t work alone. He built a community. He taught, they learned. He led, they followed. He preached, they supported. This is the model He gave His Church. God came to us—He didn’t wait for us to find Him. He stepped into our darkness with glorious light and then entrusted us to carry that light forward. Before His ascension He commissioned us:Matthew 28:18–20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” So how do we continue this movement of Advent—this message of hope for the unbeliever longing for rescue, and this promise for the believer awaiting His return? Both believer and unbeliever are waiting for the same thing: Him. Each of us has a role. Jesus calls every one of us into His mission. He needs teachers who will proclaim truth, disciples who will follow faithfully, and supporters who will resource the work of the Kingdom. Every role matters. How will the world hear if no one teaches? How will the Church grow if no one follows? How will it continue if no one supports? What a beautiful design for ministry and for the Church. As we reflect on the hope Advent brings and the light Christ has entrusted us to carry, I’d like to invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us as we close out this year. Perhaps you’ve never given before and feel God stirring your heart to take a first step of faith. Maybe you’ve been faithfully giving and feel prompted to continue to more, or to maybe God has blessed you this year and you want to share an expression of gratitude for what God has done as we close this year out. Every act of generosity—large or small—helps move the mission forward. It keeps ministry strong, outreach growing, and the light of Christ shining into lives that desperately need the hope we’ve found in Him. -PASTOR PAUL W. REECEpastor of finance/administration, and pastoral careThe Hope of Advent If the Lord leads you, would you consider making a year-end gift, starting a recurring offering, or renewing your commitment to support the work of the church before 2025 ends? Your participation makes a difference, and together we can continue to share the message of Jesus with our community and beyond.This Advent, may we not only celebrate that Light has come—may we be among those who carry it.
sunday9am & 10:45am worship service 5pm-8pm Youth group (6th-12th grade) tuesday9AM LADIES BIBLE STUDY RESUMES JAN. 64:30pm-6pm food pantry7pm lifeline youth adult ministrywednesday6:30pm prime time starts jan 28go to the app store and download the ffc app! Available on: we livestream our sunday service message at 9:am & 10:45am. you can also watch recorded messages and give online through our website and the ffc app.HOLIDAY SERVICE TIMESsunday // decEMBER 28 // 10amSUNDAY // JANUARY 4 //10AMNO YOUTH GROUPDECEMBER 28JANUARY 4CHRISTMAS EVE worshipcandlelight services at 4pm & 5:30pmOUTSIDE Live nativity and refreshments at 5pm holiday eventsSPECIAL CHRISTMAS MUSICWITH THE FFC CHOIRsunday // decEMBER 21 // 9am & 10:45amSATURDAY8:30Am MEN’S BIBLE STUDYWinter Rummage Sale January 30 (5pm-8pm)January 31 (8am-1pm)THE TRAILER IS NOW AVAILABLE! Please bring your good rummage sale items:All proceeds benefit Summer Camp Scholarships. Tuesday - Friday 10am-4pm