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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below. Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AM on Christmas EveLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/RP2XRb4ml1MNote: livestream has live audio along with presentation slides (song lyrics, Scripture readings, announcements, etc, but utilizes no video camera.) We offer this livestream for those who must remain home due to illness. Call to WorshipLet the just rejoice,for their Justifier is born.Let the sick and infirm rejoice,for their Savior is born.Let the captives rejoice,for their Redeemer is born.Let slaves rejoice,for their Master is born.Let free men rejoice,for their Liberator is born.Let all Christians rejoice,for Jesus Christ is born.—Augustine of Hippo (Algeria / AD 354-430)Gospel of Luke 2:1-21The Birth of Jesus Christ2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.The Shepherds and the Angels8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Advent Catechism: An Unlikely RescuerReady to give birth, Mary and Joseph were forced to return to Bethlehem.Unable to find room at the inn, their only option was to stay out in the stable.After giving birth, Mary wrapped the child in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger.Fulfilling hundreds of years of prophecy, Messiah is here; His name is Jesus. The wait is over and the silence is broken: God is with us.prayer: God, You are a promise maker and a promise keeper. Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus in Your glory and into our brokenness, to rescue Your people as You promised. We rest in Your promise, that You are here, with us, now. Your love holds everything together. Amen.2023-12-24-gathering-plan-Christmas-EveDownloadAnnouncements:See gathering guide (PDF) aboveToday continues our much-anticipated Advent family celebration, which in December takes place during our usual discipleship hour (9:30), as well as the next two Sundays, December 24 & 31. See Abbey or Anna if you have any questions.Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) Contributing to Renew ChurchOnline giving page » Godrenews.us/connect/give/Using a BillPay option with your bank or credit union is another useful option, used most commonly by many. These have no additional fees involved.Checks may also be sent by mail to:Renew ChurchPO Box 3222Oregon City, OR 97045BenedictionAnd 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. … For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.—Gospel of John 1:14, 16-18(Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)