HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE STAFF

Prayer Request

That God would press it upon the hearts of the congregation to step out in their gifting.

A gentleman in the church is in great need of prayer as he is having problems with his heart. And satan is trying to attack other members of the family.

I will be staying in Norway for Christmas so could you be praying for me as I will be away from all my family this year.

Norwegian Christmas

The joy of Christmas (Jesus birthday) is here in Norway.
The air is crisp (when it’s not raining) the town is covered in twinkling lights and everything is centered around a magnificent christmas tree. Walking down main street you could see many window displays, my personal favorite is the manger scene, along with store clerks selling fresh waffles out front (this is a very hot item). With all the lights and shopping this is not the main focus of christmas. In Norway Advent (the coming of Jesus) is the big celebration. Advent is the 4 weeks before Christmas. The four sundays of Advent are celebrated with four candles one being lit every sunday. Another thing would be opening a gift every day until Advent day (Dec. 24) this is what we are doing here at the base, I’m really liking this tradition. Instead of gifts some families will have the Advent calendar so they open a little box every day in side could be candy, a note, or a small gift. The Christmas story is also played out in many ways through out Advent. Kristiansand also takes part in this as you would find the Christmas story showing at the local theater and cinema.