We’re Not Perfect
Christmas is often about putting our best face forward.
Cleaning the house before guests arrive.
Putting on our best clothes for holiday events.
Everyone being on good behavior.
Taking the perfect picture for our cards.
But we don’t live perfect lives. We live real lives. Messy lives.
And it is into the middle of our real, messy, and imperfect lives that Jesus shows up this Christmas.
Put away the perfect version of yourself and your family, and bring the real you – the messy you – to experience the power of Christmas.
Because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, we will be having a relaxed worship service at our normal worship time on Sunday morning, followed by a full Christmas Eve service with Candlelight and Communion that evening.
Christmas Eve Morning Worship
Sunday December 24, 10:00am
Christmas Eve Worship
December 24, 6:30pm
Why Worship on Christmas?
Christmas is a busy time of celebration for many of us. There is a lot going on – meals to prepare, parties and gatherings to attend; work to do and fun to attend to. Why should we make time for worship in the middle of all that?
Our need for worship (yes, we need worship) at Christmas is precisely because it is so busy.
Because Christmas is hectic for many of us – we are rushed and exhausted – we can miss the wonder and joy of what happens at Christmas. Worship together allows us to stop, take a deep breath, and experience the power of the great love God has for us.
In addition, as we gather in community we are reminded that we are not in this alone – we are surrounded by a community that is loving and supportive. The joy of Christmas and the gift of God unites us, and draws us into something more than just ourselves.
What Should I Expect at Spirit of Joy?
It is always helpful to know what to expect when visiting a new church.
First, we hope you know that at Spirit of Joy!, we welcome people to worship – whether this is your first time to worship in years, you are part of a different tradition, or you worship every Sunday. You are welcome here.
Spirit of Joy! is an intentionally inclusive and radically welcoming congregation.
Some people worry about what to wear to a new church. Don’t worry about that. At Spirit of Joy! people wear everything from a new suit to jeans and everything in-between. Be comfortable and be yourself – we are just glad you are with us.
Our worship tends to be casual, contemporary, and follows a traditional order. You will recognize many of the elements of our worship from traditional churches, and our music varies from contemporary worship songs to ancient hymns. We worry more about joyfully worshiping than what category our worship falls into.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that we are an intergenerational church – our worship space is filled with people of every age. Children are an important part of our community and we welcome them to worship with us and be a part of our celebration.
Located in the Alden Bridge neighborhood of The Woodlands, Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church is committed to creating joy-filled, faith-growing, life-changing community.