What have you wondered about already this morning? When you awakened did you wonder, how did I do that? Maybe you saw a small bug crawl across the bathroom floor and wondered, I have never seen one of those before, very interesting. A car sped around you on the road and you wondered, where are they going in such a hurry? You drove by a cemetery or hospital where babies are born and wondered. We die inside on the day nothing causes us to wonder anymore. Some say the deepest mystery is the reality of evil. Perhaps the deepest mystery is the reality of love.

Welcome to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service! Thank you for joining us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the World. Tonight we gather to experience the presence of God in our lives. God is with us. God is at work in this place and His people. Hear His calling and choose to faithfully follow Him.

Jesus is all about truth and grace. In Jesus, we see the truth of God's word. He offers hope and salvation to all who call on Him. God's grace is showered upon all humanity, not punishing us for sin, but offering new life. Join as we celebrate God's truth and grace revealed in His Son Jesus.

What makes God rejoice? The sound of laughter, maybe children at play? God calls us into relationship with Him, it's our choice whether to respond. Seek to be faithful by living a life that honors the priorities God places in our hearts. Do His will be loving, learning and serving. Surrender to the one who offers eternal life at no price for us.

Do we share the joy of the Lord? When we've been blessed by God, we should respond with humility and joy! To repeat the sounding joy of the Lord means we continually shine the light of Christ. We bring hope and joy to everyone we encounter.

Does God fill our hearts and souls? Have we placed other things in front of our relationship with God? Make room for Jesus. Make room for Jesus in your heart, home, workplace and school. Celebrate the work of God in Jesus. And know that God offers hope to all people.

Are we a thankful people? If so, our hearts should be focused fully on the providence and love of God. If not, we run around worrying about the things of this world. Put your whole trust in God's grace, mercy and love. God does not abandon us, He is with us. Be thankful today and share your thanksgiving with others.

We are a light in the darkness. We bring the light of love, joy and hope to the world. Our calling is to make disciples, love God and love our neighbor. Even in the midst of darkness, a small light can bring hope. If we love our church, we should love our community as well. Share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone!

Temperature extremes, drought, torrential rains, blinding snows are known examples of how the weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable. Sunny conditions can very quickly deteriorate to severe storms. This is true in our lives as well. Pressures from work, responsibilities for our families, even guilt from past behavior can all add up in the most unpredictable way to make even the most gorgeous day, become a seemingly endless period of strife. Through today's discussion, we offer ways to help put the past behind (where it belongs), prepare for the future, all while enjoying the life you were meant to live today.

Do we give up on prayer? If things don’t go our particular way, sometimes we just give up. The Bible is clear about prayer, do not give up. Jesus was clear as well, pray to the Father and ask for what you need. Sometimes the answer is no, but many times the answer is yes, or not yet. Keep praying and do not give up. God is with us and wants the best for us all.