Christians aren't immune from the stress and busyness that mark our culture at Christmastime, so "From Humbug to Hallelujah" really says it all. The overriding message in this biblically based series featuring sermons by pastor Dr. Doug Rumford suggest that the transformation in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens's classic tale "A Christmas Carol" can be the real experience of people in our churches, thanks to the power of Immanuel . . . "God with us!" SERMON THEMES To go from humbug to hallelujah: 1. Prepare for a Christmas You'll Never Regret (Pre-Advent Sunday) 2. Break Christmas Chains Forged in Life (Advent Sunday 1) 3. Reawaken the Joy Inherent in Christmas (Advent Sunday 2) 4. Value Relationships Especially at Christmas (Advent Sunday 3) 5. Write a Good Ending to Your Christmas Carol (Advent Sunday 4) 6. Celebrate a Christmas of Miracle Transformations (Christmas Eve/Day) 7. Honor Christmas in Your Heart All Year Long (Sunday after Christmas) Order the From Humbug to Hallelujah! December sermon series Preacher's Kit today. Contents include: Pastor's Manual Receive a wealth of December preaching aids including suggested texts, complete sermon manuscripts you can use as is or rework, alternative sermon notes, illustrations, and quotations that give you more than enough material to choose from in preparing your own messages. Worship Ideas coordinated with your sermon that your people will remember for years to come. These include mood setters, creative Scripture readings, children's sermons, church and home Advent candlelighting ceremonies, music suggestions, prayers, and much more. These elements also are tied into the devotional calendars your people follow at home each week. Devotionals for Pastors that minister to you in special ways during the winter season, when you have more than enough to do. Devotions for December Calendar Give your people a practical way to practice what you preach and stay Christ-focused at Christmastime by using the "From Humbug to Hallelujah!" Devotional Calendar (see facing page for more details and excerpt). An Implementation Guide for the Advent Administrator During the busy pre-Christmas season, it's easy to let details fall through the cracks. That's why we've designed this Implementation Guide to help you. Maybe your'e the Advent administrator who heads up the organization and basic running of this series. Or perhaps you're the Publicity person who helps to get people excited about the Seasonal Advent Celebration. Or possibly you're acting as both. In any case, this Implementation Guide is intended to make things simpler for you. |
