Christmas Greeting to All! It’s that very special time of Advent and the season of expectation. And Sunday, December 8th we are expecting to welcome a number of community folks as well as our own church family members to our Moravian Lovefeast Service. This beautiful historic service has been our church’s gift to the community for over 30 years. Many local families say it is the official start of their holiday season.

 

The characteristic of fellowship in Moravian worship is illustrated by the Lovefeast. It is a service of singing, eating spice buns, drinking coffee, and praying. It is not a sacrament, but a service of love and fellowship among sisters and brothers in Christ. Beautiful music is offered in praise and thanksgiving for God’s greatest gift of love to us—the birth of our Savior.

 

The Moravian star may be a familiar sight to you around Advent. It is an important symbol to testify to the greatness of the Creator who made the numberless stars on the fourth day. It is also a reminder of the star that once led the Wise Men to the Christ Child. And finally, it points to the Divine Star foretold by the prophet: “A star shall come out of Jacob and fulfilled in Him who said of Himself: I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16)

 

The huge Moravian star hanging in our sanctuary is handmade and was donated to First Presbyterian Church by Stu Classon, of Clemmons Moravian Church in honor of Reverend O. E. Stimpson (Cheryl Stanley’s father). It is evident that much love goes into the planning and preparation of the Lovefeast by many people…..those who came before us and those serving us today.

 

We hope you will join us Sunday, December 8, at 6:30 pm (music starts at 6:00) to celebrate the season of Advent with a traditional Moravian Lovefeast Service handed down to us from our brave faith fathers and mothers. Let the loving continue!

 

Dawn & Rebecca