Applying God's Word to Life If you were living at the time of Jesus birth, what sights/smells/sounds would stand out to you? Where have you been, where you seemed transported to a different world? How much of Herod’s reaction to the wise men was out of selfish motives? Put yourself in the place of the people in Jerusalem hearing from foreigners that the King of the Jews was born. What is the level of shock they would have experienced? Do you think they believed the foreigners? Why didn’t they all take off to find this king? The text says that they were all ‘disturbed’. What do you think that looked like? Could you be fighting against God Himself like Herod? While Jesus didn’t come as a political king, He did come to be King of our lives: Does He rule as King in your life? In what areas of your life do you need to trust Him as King? Announcements Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Central Square. Refreshments & fellowship a half hour before the service and after the service. Children will be welcomed to come on the stage to sing a song during the service. There will not be a staffed nursery, but the community room will be open for parents and nursery age children. Bible Recap Optional Meeting: on Sunday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Square Suite 200 (church office) to touch base, discuss and make sure everyone has a good start. Membership at Hope: If you are interested in membership at Hope Community Church, contact Pastor Kelly by January 5. You must be a member to vote on the annual budget, for elder appointments, and other major decisions at HCC. Our annual celebration/meeting is scheduled for February 9. No Children’s Church on Sunday, December 29. Activity packets will be available. No Youth Group or AWANA: December 25 and January 1. Preschool Open Gym: Friday, January 3 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. This is a free event for young children and their caretakers. Invite friends and enjoy free time at Central Square gym in Glenwood. Sermon Based Small Group: Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. at the Starbuck site. Attend when you are able.