Christmas 2023
With the season of Advent upon us, the countdown to Christmas begins. There was certainly much excitement in our household as we opened the first door on the advent calendar! Though December can become a month of endless shopping and jam-packed social diaries, the season of Advent invites us to pause, to be still and to reflect upon the coming of Jesus. Feel free to explore the following resources as you count down the days til Christmas.
Advent Resources
Take a panoramic journey with The Whole Christmas Story by LICC – a 25-day reading plan starting “in the beginning” and ending with looking forward to Christ’s return. With a whole life discipleship focus throughout, this resource can help us connect the story of Jesus to our everyday frontline conversations throughout the Christmas season.
The Bible Project’s Guide to Advent provides an overview of Advent with links to many of their insightful video. They also have a 28-day Advent Reflections reading plan, exploring the themes of hope, peace, love and joy.
24-7 Prayer is exploring the theme ‘Light the Night’ in their daily devotional apps, Lectio 365 and Lectio for Families. Throughout Advent, they will be exploring how can we practically and prayerfully be light bearers in this season.
Lastly, I’ve seen social media posts this year suggesting a journey through the Gospel of Luke this Advent, reading one of Luke’s 24 chapters every day throughout Advent, covering an entire account of Jesus life before waking up on Christmas Day.
Advent Calendar
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Join us for our LIFE in the Community Sunday, with a choice of:
Table Talk conversation at 10am in the Chococo Cafe in the Carfax (RH12 1EQ) for a seasonal conversation OR Walk, Talk & Pray, meeting outside the REC Rink Car Park (RH12 1AB) at 10am, for a walk around Horsham Park.
Sunday 10th December
Join us for our Advent Communion Service at 10:30 am in the Phoenix, exploring the ups and downs of Christmas with the theme “The Christmas Rollercoaster”. Branch217 will be meeting at The Manse this week.
Friday 15th December
We’re celebrating Christmas with the residents at Manton Court in the form of a festive cheese and wine evening, singing carols and sharing the Christmas story. Please do come if you are able to make it, arriving 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
Saturday 16th December
The Horsham Churches Together open-air Christmas Carol Service will start at 11:30am on the Carfax bandstand. The carols will be led by the Slinfold Concert Band, with prayer and a gospel message by ministers from across Horsham.
Sunday 17th December
This Sunday, we’re sharing a Christmas-themed meal from 11:30am at the Phoenix, and we encourage you to invite family and friends to share the meal with us.
Christmas Eve
Join us for a Christmas Eve Carol Service, starting 10:30am at the Phoenix.
Christmas Day
We don’t have a service at LIFE, but there is a 10am Family Service at Trafalgar Road Baptist Church and a 10:30am Christmas Day Service at Brighton Road Baptist Church.