![]() Dear Bethel, Join us on this most magical of nights for Christmas Eve Worship at Bethel United Methodist Church! I pray that the spirit of the One born in Bethlehem will surround us all with holy peace and everlasting love as we worship together tonight. We will have a virtual candle lighting during our closing hymn, and if you would like to participate, I encourage you to find a candle now, whether real, electric, or battery operated, so you may join with us. You may find tonight’s Christmas Eve worship service on our Church Facebook page, YouTube channel, and it will be posted to our Bethel UMC website soon. Links to all these are shared below. Bethel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bethelmethodistcolumbia Bethel’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPfIqRQ6Nt6B3-bxNyPJDA Bethel’s website: https://bethelmethodistcolumbia.com If you would like to receive a DVD of our worship service please email a request to Sheryl at office@bethelmethodistcolumbia.com . We would be happy to send you one! If you are in need over the holidays Pastor Julie and Pastor Reggie may be reached directly on their personal cell phones at any time. Julie Belman: (803) 319-6169 Reggie Rowell: (843) 697-6967 May the JOY of Christmas surround you this night, and always, Pastor Julie * * * * * * * * * * * * * First Coming A poem by Madeline L’Engle (author of A Wrinkle in Time) ![]() He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. He came when the need was deep and great. He dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine. He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt. To a world like ours, of anguished shame he came, and his Light would not go out. He came to a world which did not mesh, to heal its tangles, shield its scorn. In the mystery of the Word made Flesh the Maker of the stars was born. We cannot wait till the world is sane to raise our songs with joyful voice, for to share our grief, to touch our pain, He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice! |