Sunday November 28, 2010 – First Sunday of Advent – First in the series: How to Plan for the Best Christmas Possible.

Opportunities for ___________________________-and _________________, are both part of our deep longing with the living God.

Two ways you can plan for a Christmastime you’ll love:

1. Try the                    (less is more)                           approach.

                a.  In peace we find the God who is

                                         (intimate with us/ loves us)                 

2.  Try the                               (more is more)                                approach.

                 a. In celebration we encounter the God who is

Micah 5:2,4

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Isreal, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”  He will stand and shepard his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.  And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

Luke 15

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  “The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy bo be called son.” ” But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.