Happy Advent Season to you all

by Rev. Daniel Thueson on December 18, 2025

Happy Advent Season to you all! I hope that each of you pause and take a moment to experience the Christmas story in a meaningful way. This may be a new revelation, a new perspective, or maybe a new opportunity to simply pause for a time and be still.

The Bible holds many verses encouraging us to be still:The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. - Zechariah 2:12-13 (NIV) Be still before the LORD, and wait for him. Don’t get upset when someone gets ahead— someone who invents evil schemes. - Psalm 37:7 (CEB)When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. -Psalm 4:4 (NRSV)The Levites calmed the people, saying “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” - Nehemiah 8:11 (NIV)The LORD will fight for you. You just keep still. - Exodus 14:14 (CEB)Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)

I invite you to worship with us on Christmas Eve. It will be a special and holy time of worshipping our Lord and savior as we remember and celebrate his incarnation, becoming fully human while being fully God. During this special worship service we sing carols, celebrate communion, and close the service in the beauty of candle light.

As we pass the light from candle to candle, from one hand to another, it’s symbolic of sharing and spreading our faith. We sing Silent Night, reprising the first stanza in acapella, while holding our candle in the air to signify the light coming into the world, dispelling spiritual darkness, and bringing hope. We end our service by taking a moment of silence as we leave. It is always one of the most beautiful and powerful moments of the year!

We will be offering four services this Christmas Eve. Our First Praise band will lead us in the Chapel during the 12 pm and 2 pm services, and our Chancel Choir will lead us in our Sanctuary for the 4 pm and 6 pm services. You are welcome, wanted, and invited to bring friends and family with you to one of the services. If you're able, spend the day with us and celebrate all 4! Help us host and welcome the community to experience the beauty of Christmas and the grace of Christ.

Take an invitation card to help you offer that invitation. They can be found at the back of the service, at the welcome center, or in the church office. This is an easy way for us to spread the Good News. It’s the reason for the season, an opportunity to be invitational and show hospitality.

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. -Romans 15:7 (CEB)

During this season of Advent, many of us experience sadness and loss for those who have joined the saints. Some of us may feel isolated and alone. Others of us may feel depressed or anxious for a myriad of reasons. If you are struggling or you know someone that is struggling, please reach out to me. We will have a special service for you led by Rev. Joshua Bland this Sunday evening at 6:00 pm called The Longest Night Service. Come and let your church family pray over YOU. Membership in the church is never a requirement. Give us the opportunity to help and love on you.

May you find time to experience hope, grace, peace, and joy! May you take time to rest in His embrace as you go about the business of the season! May you be the light for others to find Christ!

Grace and Peace,

Daniel

About the Author

Rev. Daniel Thueson

Daniel is passionate about sharing the love of God with others. He desires to share the good news of Jesus, bring healing to a hurting world, and help the church express the grace of God by making a real and positive difference in people’s lives.

His personal vision is to strengthen and encourage the church so that the church is equipped to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. He believes we do this by loving God and loving our neighbor, stranger, and every other person – especially those who don’t love us – just as God has loved us. Pastor Daniel says we do this in word and deed, by how we interact with those around us, even those who disagree with us, and by how we help those in need, including physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

With over 20 years of ministry experience, Pastor Daniel is a native of Broken Arrow, OK. He received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University with a Certificate of Pastoral Care. His Bachelor of Theology is from Life Christian University. Pastor Daniel is a veteran of the US Air Force and Oklahoma Air National Guard, where he served as a medic. He was also a National Certified Taekwondo Instructor, ran and owned Taekwondo schools, and was a manager for Gerber Baby Foods and Nestle. His professional experience highlights his strengths in mission, evangelism, organizational development, and change management.

Pastor Daniel is married to Fran and has two step children, four grandchildren, and a black golden-doodle named Luna. Daniel enjoys life in the outdoors, martial arts, motorcycles, movies, and smoking meat. He was appointed as senior Pastor of FUMC Springdale after serving in Mountain Home, Charleston, Alma/Kibler, Benton, Dallas, and Coles Chapel/Branch.

Daniel invites you to experience God with us through worship, prayer, study, mission, and community.