In the story of Jesus’ birth, we’re told that he was born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. The Bible doesn’t actually mention an innkeeper, but the poor guy gets a pretty bad wrap for someone we’re not even sure existed because of this. Yet, it didn’t end there, Jesus often found that people didn’t have room for Him. The Jewish leaders didn’t have room for Jesus, neither did King Herod or the Romans, they all saw Him as a threat or problem. Most of the people didn’t have room for Jesus either because He wasn’t what they expected or wanted Him to be. Today many people still don’t have room for Jesus because inviting him into their lives and hearts would mean real change. Yet despite all of our reservations, the great Christmas carol Joy to the World proclaims, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” So can we make room? Are we too busy? Too afraid? Too proud? Are we closed to Jesus or can we make room for Him and all He wants to bring to and do in us?

I hope you noticed that in the passage from Luke 2:8-14, the joyful news of the first Christmas was delivered by signing angels. Choir Sunday is so fitting for the theme of joy because music is such a joyful part of our faith and worship, especially at Christmas.

Think of Handle’s Messiah. It not only brings joy but touches hearts and the reasons are that as well as being a great and joyful piece of music it also has a message that matters, it’s about the messiah, it’s about Jesus, it’s about a God who loved us enough to come here in person and tell us so, and what could give us more joy than that?!

Joy is one of the hallmarks of the Christian life.

Having faith doesn’t mean we’re happy all the time, of course, but it does mean that even in the hardest moments of life there is a joy deep in our hearts from God because of who He is, and all that He’s done, especially in Jesus, and the knowledge that there’s a truth in him that’s bigger than our circumstances here and now, and that there’s a future with him that surpassed even the best that this life has to offer and never ends!

I feel sad that there are people out there struggling, having a really rough time, with so many different things these days, and all they’ve got to cling to are little things like this weed. We need more than that

And there is more! The joy that we have in Jesus is so much deeper and so much wider, it’s a joy that can help carry through the ups and downs of this life.

The call of Christmas is this, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” So can we do that? There are some things we can do that often help open us up to receive the gift of joy.

First, seek forgiveness.

Second, makes amends.

Third, ask God for healing.

Finally, ask God for spiritual renewal.

Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We are excited to be able to worship under the Tent together. If you are not wanting to be under the Tent, feel free to sit in the front row of parking spots of the Orchard Parking Lot your car and tune your radio to 100.1 FM to listen to the service.

1. Masks must be worn while on the Orchard Campus (both inside and out)

2. Please maintain the Social Distance

3. Sunday Morning Children's program. Children are always welcome in the service and we do not mind the noises that come with children. Children are a healthy sign of a healthy congregation.

We encourage families to bring your own blanket and beach chairs and distance on the lawn as much as you like. Children will worship with their families and be dismissed following the kids’ message, escorted by our Orchard Kids’ Leaders to our beautiful outdoor classroom space in the children’s play yard. We will have our Bible story, activities, crafts, and games in a specially designed format following current health and safety guidelines. Parents, please come to the children’s area immediately following the worship service and find all of your children in one place. Each family will receive a “My Church Bag” to be brought each week with basic supplies already included plus items from home: water bottle and mask for each child and a blanket for all siblings. Our team is so excited to see your family! See you Sunday!

Nursery care for children birth to 3 years old is available by RSVP only to Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.

Interested in being a Volunteer? Middle school through adult, please contact Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.

Monday – Thursdays from 10 am to noon.

Masks and social distancing are required.

If you are unable to make it in during our office hours, please send an email to info@orchardventura.org and or leave a message at (805) 647-3757.