December 2025 News
Immanuel, Be With Us Now
We listen for the voice of a prophet:
The people living now in darkness,
Eyes opened, will see a great light.
Joy shall increase, the path to gladness.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen, from heaven the angels singing:
A promised peace descending from God’s glory,
Well-being, good will and favor ringing
Hope as we await the rest of the story.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen to what Gabriel might say
On a visit to a woman, betrothed and young.
Greetings, favor, and promise to you this day.
A son will be given, the name Jesus will be sung.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen for Mary’s humble reply
To a vision of an everlasting kingdom.
From the line of Jacob, called is the cry,
For great shall be the child of freedom.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen as she is about to speak
Words of wisdom beyond all doubt and fear.
Let it be as God wills for strong and weak,
Scattering mercy from day into night so clear.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen on a journey to David’s city.
Arduo steps, eager with anticipation.
Feet moving with yearning and pity.
Crowded streets, an uncertain destination.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen by a manger strong with smell,
A baby’s cry echoes into a chilly night.
An unlikely place for the Almighty to dwell,
Animals and a holy family, a heavenly sight.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen, a baby nestled against a mother’s glee.
In the distance, angels and shepherds stirring.
Good news of great joy shared for all to see,
Even trees clapping and rivers roaring.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen as news travels near and far,
From the east Magi catch a holy wind.
Gifts in stow as they follow the morning star
To a promise where new hopes and dreams begin.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen now, many miles and years
From where God first took shape
In human form with laughter and tears,
For sounds of grace throughout our landscape.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen faithfully as sister and brother,
United in a child born long, long ago.
Bearing the witness of love to one another
As we journey in hope to and fro.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
We listen for our future revealed in a child.
His name gives meaning to salvation and life.
Clothed with compassion, his actions meek and mild,
Freeing all from the evils of sin and strife.
Immanuel, Be with us now!
A Blessed Christmas to all,
Pastor John
December 2025 Newsletter
Worship Schedule
December 7th – 2nd Sunday of Advent, “A Promise That Will Change How We Think of God”,
Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 67; Luke 1:26-38. Communion & Christmas Brunch
December 14th – 3rd Sunday of Advent, “When the Children Leap for Joy and the Mothers are
Blessed”, Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 85; Luke 1:39-45. Children’s Program
December 18th, 7:00P.M.– Blue Christmas Service
December 21st – 4th Sunday of Advent, “This Day Is for Those Whom God favors; So To the
Powerful – Look Out!”, Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 128; Luke 1:46-55. Consistory Elections
December 24th, 7:00P.M. – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 28th - 1st Sunday after Christmas, “A Child, a Star, and the Treasure of Wisdom”,
Isaiah 63:7-9; Hebrews 2:10-13; Matthew 2:1-12
8th Annual Veterans Christmas Remembrance
Our Veterans Christmas Remembrance in support of Wreaths Across America will be held on Sat. Dec. 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Please plan on attending our wonderful patriotic service. Our goal is to place a wreath on every Veteran’s grave in Dreisbach Cemetary. We will be taking donations for wreaths and Volunteers for Wreath laying thru 12/8. See us at the back of the church every Sunday morning. Questions or concerns call or text Elaine Rockey, 570-847-0163.
Kiwanis Christmas Boxes
Donations for Mifflinburg Kiwanis Christmas boxes will be collected from November 17 through December 18. Last year, the club provided food boxes for over 80 families in the Mifflinburg School District. Monetary donations can be given to Sandy Catherman or Don Bowman.
“Gifts for the Baby Jesus”
Please plan to join us on Sunday, December 14th for our Christmas Children’s Event during the worship service. We will celebrate “Gifts for the Baby Jesus!” We will collect baby gifts to be given to Expectations Women’s Center. Gift suggestions include baby clothing (sizes; newborn to 9 months), diapers for infants, pacifiers, rattles, and baby toiletries (shampoo, lotion, etc.). Thank You
Upcoming Meetings
· The Prayer Shawl group will meet on Tuesday, December 9th, at the church. All are welcome.
· Consistory will meet on Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m.
· Bible Study will continue on Wednesday evenings in December from 6:30-8:00.
Christmas Brunch
We will gather together downstairs in the social hall to celebrate the Christmas season with a brunch following the worship service on Sunday, December 7th. Please bring a dish to share. The church will provide table service and beverages.
Consistory Elections
Elections for new consistory members will take place on December 21st following the worship service. Please contact a current member if you are interested in serving. Thank you
Retreat Coordinator
The brief survey regarding a one-day retreat that was conducted several weeks ago indicated that there is interest in pursuing this idea. Consistory is looking for someone or several someones willing to act as coordinators and plan the retreat. Please speak with a consistory member if this interests you.
Childcare Volunteers
Volunteers are available to care for your infant to three-year-old child in the nursery every Sunday after the Children’s Time until the end of the service. All volunteers have appropriate clearances. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please contact Diane Hackenberg.
The volunteers for December are: December 7 – Lori Leitzel; December 14- Christmas Program. Nursery will not be staffed; December 21 – Mike Finerghty; December 28 – Diane Amabile.
Rummage Distributions
These expressions of gratitude come from some of the recipients of the recent rummage distribution:
· From the Mifflinburg Kiwanis Club: Thank you all for the extremely generous donation to benefit our holiday food boxes for local needy families. We all realize how much this will be appreciated.
· From the Union County Giving Closet: Your gift directly supports our mission to provide free, seasonal clothing to children in need in our community. We’re so grateful for you continued support and generosity.
· From the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging: Your continued generosity is deeply appreciated and will make a meaningful impact on our efforts to provide nutritious meals to older adults in Union and Snyder County.
Pastor’s Christmas Gift
Envelopes have been included with the newsletter and can be found at the back of the sanctuary for contributions to the Pastor’s Christmas gift. Please return to the church at 875 Dreisbach Church Rd., Lewisburg. Thank You!
Shut-ins Address List
An updated list of our Shut-ins is currently available at the church and will be included with the newsletter for those who receive the newsletter via mail. Please contact Pam to update information or if you know of someone to add to our list.
City of Joy Rwandan Artistry
On Sunday, December 7th a selection of baskets, bracelets and other beautiful items will be available to fill all your Christmas shopping needs.