HOPE PERTH CHRISTMAS SERVICE

“Simple Joy” was the theme as Hope Perth sought to embrace Christmas 2011. A congregation of around 50 people sat together within the warm atmosphere and homely decorated Hall of Manning. Our choir team led our church with joyful singing of Christmas carols. Soon after, we had a great time watching Kids Plus acting out the story of Grinchy, a lonely boy who found the love and hope of Jesus.

The short drama was a modern take on the joy of Christmas, amalgamating the stories of the three wise men, the coming of baby Jesus and the Grinch. It was a lighthearted performance, bringing humour into the topic of the sermon.

Speaker of the day, Dr PC Loo shared an inspiring message about the true joy of Christmas that is built on the foundation of the fruits of the Spirit: hope, peace and above all, love. The sermon touched on the coming of Christ in Luke 2:6. This verse captures the essence of humanity when Jesus was born in a manger to bring hope and true joy to the lives of people.

This scene marked the greatest event in the history of humankind. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. It is through this scene that the passage of John 3:16 becomes very real to those who believe and receive Christ. In all our brokenness, we can come to know and seek forgiveness of our sins and truly understand the joy of redeemed love. It is only for one reason that he was sent into this corrupted world: to bring us hope and salvation. A true love and hope that is everlasting!