DECEMBER AT
THRIVE CHURCH
ADVENT
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14
Advent is the time of year when Christians everywhere reflect on the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. Advent is a word that simply means, “coming.” In Advent, we turn our minds and hearts to the coming of Jesus, by entering into the longing of Israel for so many years for the Messiah to come and save them. For Christians, this time of longing is a chance to reflect with joy on the Incarnation of Christ, and also to turn those feelings of longing towards Jesus again, as we eagerly wait for His second coming.
We encourage you to download these Advent readings and resources for use in your families’ daily Advent reflection. You’ll find resources for adults, children and the whole family.
Advent is the time of year when Christians everywhere reflect on the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. Advent is a word that simply means, “coming.” In Advent, we turn our minds and hearts to the coming of Jesus, by entering into the longing of Israel for so many years for the Messiah to come and save them. For Christians, this time of longing is a chance to reflect with joy on the Incarnation of Christ, and also to turn those feelings of longing towards Jesus again, as we eagerly wait for His second coming.
We encourage you to download these Advent readings and resources for use in your families’ daily Advent reflection. You’ll find resources for adults, children and the whole family.
Dads, here’s a special curated list of great ideas to help lead your family in the fun and festive traditions for Christmas.
A DAD NEEDS...
- a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
- to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt, bless, and serve?
- to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is you calendar ready for December?
- to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
- to make memories and not just give gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
- to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
-to schedule a big Christmas date with his daughter(s). Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy Daddy-daughter date?
- to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son(s) going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
- to help get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
- to ensure there are some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas Music on the iPod, is the tree up, can you smell cookies and cider?
- to snuggle up and watch fun shows with the kids. Dad, is the DVR set to record old classics and holiday shows?
- to connect with Mom during the holidays. Dad, do you have some fun date nights or getaways planned for you and your wife?
- to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do they get lights or a small tree in their room?
- to read about Jesus with and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
- to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
- to help his kids learn to be generous and give. Dad, whom do your kids want to buy presents for outside of your family?
- to check the local guides for what’s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family.
- to not let technology eat away family time during Christmas break. Dad, will you make sure the electronics are turned off so your family can interact, play games, talk, etc.?
- to take the lead in family devotions centered on the birth of Jesus. Dad, have you picked out parts of the Bible to read together over dinner during the holidays?
- to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?
- to study the incarnation of Jesus Christ to help prepare him and his family for the holidays. Dad, do you have some reading lined up?
- a break during the holidays. Dad, it’s not a sin to watch some football, nap, or relax a bit so long as you’ve taken care of your other priorities first.
CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS
Join us each weekend in December for the warmth and joy of Christmas. Each weekend is filled with special music, fun surprises, and the message of HOPE found in the Incarnation.
Sundays, December 5 | 12 | 19
10:00am | Live and Online
LEGACY SUNDAY
Once a year we have the opportunity as a church to bring a special offering—one that requires sacrifice and one that builds a legacy for future generations. Legacy Offering is a one-time offering above and beyond our normal giving that enables us to give back to our city, bless our ministry partners worldwide, and make great improvements to Thrive Church.
We're also celebrating the opening of the Christmas Season and Baptisms!
December 5 - 5:00 | 7:00pm
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
This Christmas Eve, before you eat dinner and open presents, we invite you to make Christmas Eve with the Thrive Church family part of your family tradition as we gather to sing, reflect and celebrate the birth of Christ. All are welcome - we'll have craft bags for the little ones to enjoy!
December 24 | 5:00pm
REACHING OUT
PARADE OF LIGHTS
December 22nd
We’re bringing Christmas to the neighborhood!
We’re decorating our cars with Christmas themes, lights and fun costumes and bringing a Christmas Parade of Light to families in our county. If you’d like to be a part of this super-fun parade, click below and you’ll be contacted with details on how to participate.
December 24 | 5:00pm