Year: 2018

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Christmas and Carols

Christmas and carols

Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  Not because of decorations, presents, or the promise of snow but because of the celebration of a child who was born to save me from a life without hope, without love, and without life everlasting.  Jesus Christ, the hope of the world has come and brings life eternal through the forgiveness of sins by the gift of salvation for those who trust in Him.

Now that is something to sing about!

  The hymns that are sung at Christmas time and all year ‘round tell of the promise of a coming Messiah, the birth of a King, the life of a miracle worker, and the death and resurrection of a Holy LORD. We sing these beautiful melodies to remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

“This Advent and Christmas hymn expresses and acknowledges a particular tension we ought to be aware of during the Christmas season. Just as, in the prophecies from Isaiah, a “rose,” or stem, shoots up from the stump, so too do we celebrate Christ’s birth in the knowledge that He brings life out of death. Our celebrations of Christmas must always point us to Easter. We celebrate Christ’s life because His death brings us a new kind of life. So too, the season of Advent points us not only to Christmas, but to the second coming of Christ, when He will finally make all things new. This is a beautiful and peaceful hymn, but there is just a touch of melancholy in the tune. Even in the arrangement the composer was able to convey the tension amidst our celebration, the sorrow that must lie within our rejoicing, if only for a moment. We know what is coming that week before Easter morning, and this should give us reason to pause. But we also know that the tiny babe whose birth we celebrate, our “Rose,” came to “dispel…the darkness everywhere.” Thus, even amid the tension of life out of death, we celebrate the ultimate life we are promised in Christ.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/lo_how_a_rose_eer_blooming

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

“This ancient advent hymn originated in part from the “Great ‘O’ Antiphons,” part of the medieval Roman Catholic Advent liturgy. On each day of the week leading up to Christmas, one responsive verse would be chanted, each including a different Old Testament name for the coming Messiah. When we sing each verse of this hymn, we acknowledge Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophesies. We sing this hymn in an already-but not yet-kingdom of God. Christ’s first coming gives us a reason to rejoice again and again, yet we know that all is not well with the world. So along with our rejoicing, we plead using the words of this hymn that Christ would come again to perfectly fulfill the promise that all darkness will be turned to light. The original text created a reverse acrostic: “ero cras,” which means, “I shall be with you tomorrow.” That is the promise we hold to as we sing this beautiful hymn.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/o_come_o_come_emmanuel_and_ransom

The First Noel the Angel Did Say

“This carol tells a story loosely based on the Gospel accounts in Luke 2 and Matthew 2 of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, with the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. The first two lines of the final stanza calls us to action – as the wise men reverently worshiped the Christ, so we should “with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord.” The last two lines recall that our Lord is the Creator and the Savior of the world.

This carol tells a story loosely based on the Gospel accounts in Luke 2 and Matthew 2 of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, with the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. The first two lines of the final stanza calls us to action – as the wise men reverently worshiped the Christ, so we should “with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord.” The last two lines recall that our Lord is the Creator and the Savior of the world.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/the_first_noel_the_angel_did_say

O little town of Bethlehem

“In 1865, the year the Civil War ended and President Lincoln was assassinated, themes of peace and quiet would probably have been welcome to Americans. In that year, the Rev. Phillips Brooks took a trip to Israel and saw Bethlehem and its surrounding fields on Christmas Eve, which eventually inspired him to write this Christmas hymn. In contrast to some other Christmas hymns that emphasize the glory of God as seen in the grand chorus of angels, Brooks focuses on the quietness of Christ’s birth, and how little the larger world paid attention. The final stanza is a prayer that Christ would come and be present with us.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/o_little_town_of_bethlehem

Joy to the world! the Lord is come!

“In Genesis 3, one of the great tragedies in all of Scripture occurs. Adam and Eve sin against God, and are banished from the garden as God puts a curse upon the ground. It is a heartbreaking rupture in God’s perfect creation, and it is hard not to read this text without feeling a twinge of despair. And yet, before the curse comes a promise. God declares that the woman shall bear offspring that will crush the head of the serpent. Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God, will come to break the curse, to renew the creation, to make whole what is now broken.

In Psalm 98, all of creation is called upon to make a joyful noise before God, for the Lord has come to “judge the earth,” and restore His Creation. We should not fail to see our own hand at work in the destruction of creation, in our sins of waste and decadence. This “judgment of the earth” is, in some part, a judgment of us as caretakers. But God is merciful and full of grace, and rather than leave everything in our hands, He gives us the Life-giver. In this beautiful hymn, Isaac Watts makes the connection between the coming of Christ into this world and the beginning of that restoration. Christ brings “joy to the world,” a light where there is darkness, growth where there is decay. And we, along with all Creation, respond with a song of praise.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/joy_to_the_world_the_lord_is_come

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

“This hymn by Charles Wesley was written within a year of Wesley’s conversion. Thus, as Albert Bailey writes, “the inspiration of his newly-made contact with God was still fresh” (The Gospel in Hymns, 100). Rather than simply tell the nativity story, Wesley pours theological truths into this text. The first verse tells the story of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth, and the second and third verse go on to make it very clear why the angels sang. Simply by describing Christ, Wesley tells us the entire Gospel story. We are told of Christ’s nature, his birth and incarnation, his ministry, and his salvific purpose. The Psalter Hymnal Handbook describes the hymn like this: “A curious mixture of exclamation, exhortation, and theological reflection. The focus shifts rapidly from angels, to us, to nations. The text’s strength may not lie so much in any orderly sequence of thought but in its use of Scripture to teach its theology. That teaching surely produces in us a childlike response of faith; we too can sing ‘Glory to the newborn King!’”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_glory_to

Silent Night, Holy Night

“In the small, quiet town of Oberndorf, Austria, on a snowy Christmas Eve, a priest and an organist wrote what is now the most beloved Christmas carol world-wide. Stories abound as to the exact circumstances of the hymns origin, and there are societies dedicated to the task of protecting the authentic hymn text and story. If you ever visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan, you can visit a replica of the Silent Night Chapel. Movies and operas revolve around the hymn, and almost every recording artist that has ever made a Christmas album has recorded it. In a sense, this spreading of the Word is a joy. But these honors should also make us wary. Paul Westermeyer writes, “Partly because of its popularity, STILLE NACHT can easily point to itself rather than beyond itself to the Word” (Let the People Sing, 153). It is important, then, to not simply listen to what we might consider a quaint, nostalgia-evoking carol, but to sing out the depth of these words. For the “dawn of redeeming grace” is something far greater and grander than any song we could ever write.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/silent_night_holy_night_all_is_calm_all

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

“The inspiration for this hymn, like Horatio Spafford’s “It is Well With my Soul,” came out of tragedy and remorse. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, having an injured son and a dead wife, wrote his poem “Christmas Bells” on Christmas Day. The third verse, which says, “And in despair, I bowed my head: ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said, ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men,’” shows the depth of despair Longfellow experienced. The fourth verse shows the faith and hope in God that Longfellow had in the face of despair.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/i_heard_the_bells_on_christmas_day

Angels We Have Heard on High

“It’s a simply beautiful image: the shepherds in a great field, staring up in wonder at a sky full of the heavenly hosts, singing out their praise and joy, the echoes of their song of reverberating off the mountains to add to the cacophony. It isn’t hard to imagine the shepherds’ response. This group of young boys must have looked at each other wide-eyed, then whooped and cheered and run as fast as they could into the village, a stampede of sheep following them. Giddy with excitement and out of breath, did they burst into the stable and crowd around the manger? Or did they stop at the stable door, suddenly shy and overwhelmed, and peek in at the couple holding a tiny baby? Did they fully understand what they were witnessing? Do we even fully understand what they were witnessing? This hymn invites us to “Come to Bethlehem and see.” Today, we go to Bethlehem. We peak through the stable doors, and we kneel in amazement before the Christ child, our ears still ringing from the angels’ song. More so than the shepherds, we are able to see who this child is, because we know the Gospel story. We know that the angels would come again, this time to announce that Christ was not where the women looked for Him, but that He had risen. It isn’t hard to imagine that a “Gloria” would have been on those angels’ lips as well.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/angels_we_have_heard_on_high

Sing We Now of Christmas

“The importance of this song is that it highlights several of the most important parts of Christ’s birth; from the rejoicing of heaven and earth (with shepherds and angels), to the fulfilling of prophecies (the coming of the wise men). It reminds us that Christ’s birth changed the world. It reminds us that God became man and took a weak body of flesh to become closer to us.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/sing_we_now_of_christmas

We three kings of Orient Are

“The opening stanza is about the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem. The middle three stanzas explain a meaning for each of the three gifts. Gold signified royalty, and frankincense, deity. Myrrh foretold that the Christ child was born to die. The last stanza summarizes the song, calling Jesus the “King and God and Sacrifice,” and ending in a peal of alleluias.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/we_three_kings_of_orient_are

What Child Is This

“Have you ever studied the words of Isaiah 9:6-7 (they begin, “For to us a child is born”) and realized just how strange they are? At first glance, the grand titles and expectations seem absurd to place on a child. It’s a strange picture – a small child, hunched over like Atlas, a parliament building set on his shoulders, wearing a crown, perched on a throne, with a very troubled look on his face, as if to say, “What in the world am I doing here?” And yet, this is exactly what these verses tell us to be true. Of course, there was no actual building, no real throne, and no crown but one of thorns. But the thought is still astounding – this child, this baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, would be the fulfillment of these promises. He would be, and is, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. It is this astonishing prophecy that we keep in mind when we ask the question, ‘What child is this?’”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/what_child_is_this_who_laid_to_rest

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

“In one of his many “Coop’s Columns” on the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship website, former Calvin College chaplain, Dale Cooper, recalls a moment in which he was travelling home to his young family after spending the summer in Geneva. He was calling his wife from Chicago’s O’Hare airport to arrange his pick-up in Grand Rapids, when his then four-year-old son asked for the phone. Cooper writes, “His only words to me— a sigh, really: ’Daddy, when am I going to be where you are?’” (Cooper, “Coop’s Column – Spirit at Work: Guarantor”).

It is this sigh of longing that we express when we sing the words of Charles Wesley’s beautiful Advent hymn, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” For though we know that Christ goes with us and before us every day, we long for the day when we are with Him in all of the fullness and glory He will bring. We long for the day when we are with Him in a New Heaven and New Earth, when all things are made new. And just as a four-year-old crawls into his father’s arms after an extended absence, so too we long for the day when we will be at rest in Christ, enfolded in the embrace of our Savior.”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_long_expected_jesus_born_to

Go, Tell It on the Mountain

“In the Bible, the mountain often represents the holy presence of God. Moses has to go up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and to see the Promised Land. In the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, an event signifying the full embodiment of the divine nature and holiness of Christ. In the Old Testament especially, the mountain is also a place that is set apart – not just everyone can go up the mountain to be in God’s presence. Psalm 24:3 asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?” God’s presence came down to the mountain, and the mountain was the barrier between the Israelites and God’s presence, much like the curtain in the temple dividing the people from the Holy of Holies.

When Christ was born however, God’s presence came down to His people in a new form, in the helplessness of a baby. And the story doesn’t end there – Christmas points us to Easter, when Christ ripped the curtain in the temple and became the bridge between us and the Father, God’s holy presence in and among us. When Christ was transfigured, he had with him Peter, James and John. The glory of the LORD was no longer barred from His people. The mountain is no longer a barrier between us and God, but a place to shout the good news of God’s presence among his people in the incarnation of Christ Jesus, to ‘Go Tell It On the Mountain.’”

Read more at https://hymnary.org/text/while_shepherds_kept_their_watching

What is Your Favorite Christmas Carol?

With the stories, theology and personal reflections of these Christmas carols we pray that the true meaning of Christmas will fill your heart and mind this season and throughout the year.

We would love to hear your story of how a Christmas carol has sparked worship in your heart and home.  Email us at [email protected].

Christmas and carols

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Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

Save money and creatively tackle your gift list this year with our ideas for one-of-a-kind gifts you can create for the people in your life.

Sheryl Hawkins’ White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies Candy

White-Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Krispies
Photo credit: Lil’ Luna 

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
  • 12 oz. dry roasted peanuts
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup white almond bark

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine cereal, peanuts and marshmallows in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a pan melt white almond bark and peanut butter over low heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Add white chocolate and peanut butter mix to the cereal mixture and mix well.
  4. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper and let set. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Store in airtight container.

Sheryl Hawkins’ Christmas Crunch {Funfetti Popcorn Christmas Style}

Adapted from Bake at 350

Funfetti Popcorn
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup popping popcorn kernels or 2 bags tender white popcorn
  • 12 oz bag vanilla candy melts, such as Wilton’s
  • 1 and 1/3 cups broken pretzel pieces
  • 12 oz green and red milk chocolate or mint M&Ms
  • Red, green and white sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

Using a popcorn popper, pop the corn into a large bowl according to manufacturer’s directions or see this recipe for Perfecto Popcorn.

(You can also use plain microwave popcorn.) Remove any unpopped popcorn kernels, then add broken pretzel pieces and M&Ms and toss.

Melt candy melts in a microwave safe bowl on 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.  Drizzle half of melted chips over popcorn mixture then stir, tossing gently a few times with a rubber spatula.  Drizzle the remaining half of melted the chips over popcorn and gently stir mixture until evenly coated. (Be careful not to over-stir, since the sprinkles won’t stick if the white chips begin to set and harden).

Pour mixture into a single layer onto wax paper.  Sprinkle entire mixture evenly with sprinkles (as many as you’d like) before vanilla chips set.  Allow to cool and harden, then gently break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS

  • Add as many sprinkles as you like why not try different shapes and colors (Jingle Mix Nonpareils)
  • You could also try different flavored candy melts such as mint or peppermint
  • You don’t have to stick with M&M’s, why not try different festive sweets such as mini candy canes or marshmallows

Shirley Bedingfield’s Beef Jerky

Dried peppered beef jerkyINGREDIENTS

  • 5 lbs. “jerky meat” from Perry’s Meat Market on Lewis (bull round sliced thin for $5.29/lb.)
  • 1:3 ratio diluted Fort Worth Stockyards Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke
  • 1 bottle Accent Meat Tenderizer
  • 1 bottle Lemon Pepper
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 TB cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

Mix together in a big roasting pan and marinate in refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Place in dehydrator 5 – 8 hours.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, no worries!! You can make it in the oven! All you need is some foil and toothpicks or bamboo skewers.

Arrange your oven racks with one rack on the very top, and one on the next-to-lowest setting. Spread a piece of foil over the bottom rack, folding the edges up just a bit to make a disposable baking sheet.

Oven made Beef Jerky

One at a time, take each piece of meat, poke a toothpick through one end, and hang on the top rack, with the meat hanging down between the bars, and the toothpick laying across the bars.  It’ll drip on the foil, not on your oven!

Set your oven as low as it will go, about 160-170 degrees. Keep your oven cracked open by sticking a wooden spoon in the door. Dry your jerky in the oven for 5-7 hours. Start checking at 5 hours. You want the jerky to feel like rubber, kind of firm and bendy, not soft and squishy, but not dark and crackly. No grey spots. It may take a few tries to get it perfect. You can even remove jerky at different times to see how “done” you like yours. It will dry a bit more once you remove it from the oven. Take the toothpicks out and immediately put your jerky in a ziploc bag. This will keep it from drying out.

Steva Cottingim’s Spiced Tea

Spiced TeaMix the following together:

  • ¾ cup instant tea
  • 12 oz. Tang (1½ cup)
  • 12 oz. Powdered Lemonade mix
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 t. brown cloves
  • 1 t. cinnamon
  • 1 cup cinnamon candies “red hots”

 

Add 2 – 4 tsp. to one cup of hot water and enjoy on a cold winter’s night!!!!!

Steva Cottingim’s Infused Salt

To make these punchy infused salts, just start with kosher salt, sea salt or flake salt and a clean, completely dry airtight jar. I would err on the smaller side for salts. Then you just add the herb (I prefer fresh) or spice (I use dry ground spices) to the salt—the drier it is, the less the salt will clump.

The best ratio for infused salt seems to be about 1 teaspoon spice or dried herbs to 1/4 cup kosher salt. With something fresh like citrus zest or fresh herbs, you can be more generous – and I love being a bit more generous with my herbs.

Here are some of my favorite varieties of infused salt and how I would use them:

ROSEMARY-LEMON SEA SALT

Sea salt scented herb rosemary

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cupcoarse sea salt
  • 3tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemongrated

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 110 degrees C (230 degrees F).
  2. Zest the lemon and finely chop the rosemary (leaves only, discard the stem). You may also use ground rosemary.
  3. Add the sea salt, rosemary and lemon zest to a food processor. Pulse until the salt becomes a little finer and everything is well mixed. I usually don’t grind my salt – just mix it because I love cooking with the coarser salt.
  4. Taste and increase the amount of flavorings, if desired.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. (If you use dried ground rosemary, and no lemon, you will not need to bake. Just put it in your jar.)
  6. Remove it from the oven and, if there are any lumps, pulse it in the food processor again.
  7. Let it cool for 5 minutes and store the rosemary-lemon sea salt in an airtight container or in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  8. Ideally, let it sit at least a day before using.
  9. The intensity of flavor will diminish over time, but it can last up to a year

*I sometimes add other herbs that blend well with rosemary, like sage and garlic for a favorite blend.  Thyme and Oregano also work well.  Just roughly chop the herbs together, even air dry for most of the day, or dry quicker in a warm oven and mix with salt. Store in a pretty jar or bottle.

A great seasoning for roasted veggies or Italian dishes that include pasta and sausage.  I also use this in soups and sauces and chicken or beef.

GARLIC INFUSED SALT

Garlic salt in a spice jar

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup Kosher salt
  • About 1/4 cup of garlic cloves, usually about 1 1/2 heads of garlic

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Peel the garlic cloves and place in a food processor. Add the salt, preferably Kosher salt. The iodine and other minerals in table salt or celtic sea salt can cause the garlic to discolor.
  2. Process the garlic and salt mixture for about 20 seconds until it reaches the consistency of sand.
  3. Spread the mixture on parchment or a silicone baking mat and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake in a 180-degree oven for about an hour, until the mixture is dry and crisp. Use the oven heat to dry out the garlic slowly, but avoid browning it.
  5. Add the garlic salt back into the food processor and pulse it a few times until it resembles the texture of cornmeal.
  6. Store the mixture in an air-tight jar in a cool, dry place. Label and date your garlic salt, and discard any remainder after three months.

DRESS IT UP

For a tasty and eye-catching variation, try adding dried parsley or oregano to the food processor along with your garlic and salt.

For a peppery version, grind up black peppercorns in a coffee grinder or your pepper grinder; they’re usually too small and hard to grind finely in a food processor. Add the ground peppercorns to your garlic and salt mixture in the food processor and process. You might find that the added pepper allows you to reduce the salt in the mixture and still retain a delicious, flavorful mixture.

Use this to season avocado toast, soups, potatoes, rice, or sprinkle it over cooked vegetables.  This is great in anything you would put garlic and salt in.

Best BBQ Meat Rub

Homemade Spice Rub

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pour all ingredients into a jar. Seal the jar and shake until all spices are well combined.

Zesty Lemon Soap Recipe via Beauty Crafter

Lemon scented soap

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place the glycerin soap and lemon zest in a microwave safe container preferably a large glass measuring cup. Microwave for 30 seconds, then check and stir with a chopstick or spoon. Remove when soap is just melted or very close to fully melted and stir.
  2. Allow to cool while stirring. This helps the essential oils not dissipate off to quickly while being mixed in, but don’t be too fussy about it. Some will dissipate, but much will remain and the flashpoint of lemon essential oil is lower than the melt point of the soap base so you can’t stop it completely. Fragrance oils generally are less likely to waft away, but don’t have the benefits of essential oil either.
  3. Pour the soap mixture into the silicone molds and set aside to cool.
  4. Once full cool, pop the soap bars out. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or package after to avoid losing the lemon scent.

Dip-Dyed Candles via Martha Stewart

dye dipped candles
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

MATERIALS

  • White pillar candles, assorted sizes
  • Bleached beeswax beads (for melting)
  • Double boiler or slow cooker
  • Vegetable peeler or knifeCrayons, in various colors
  • Wooden spoon
  • Taper candle
  • Ceramic plate or baking sheet
  1. Place wax beads in a double boiler or a slow cooker with a nonstick insert, filling about a quarter of the way. Melt wax, adding more chips for a higher wax line.
  2. Use vegetable peeler or knife to shave bits of crayon into wax (totaling about a quarter of a crayon). Stir to blend. Let any bubbles settle, and dip a taper candle into wax to test the color (once beeswax dries, it can be broken off, so you can use the taper for the next batch). Add more shavings for darker color. Remove wax from heat.
  3. With a slow, even motion, dip base of 1 pillar candle to the desired height. Hold candle in melted wax for 5 to 10 seconds; remove, and set candle, tinted end down, on plate or baking sheet to dry (once wax hardens, the candle should be easy to remove). If making multiple candles, return wax to heat as needed to maintain proper consistency.
  4. Let leftover wax solidify, and it will pop out easily. (Wash the pot or insert well afterward to use it again for food.)

Let us know if you have any questions and how your homemade gifts went over with your friends and family.  Wishing you the best Christmas!

 

The-Case-for-Christmas-low-res

You’re invited to join us for our Christmas services as we celebrate Advent and Christmas.  Learn more at https://eastwoodtulsa.org/christmas-at-eastwood

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Saturate Tulsa – Don’t Let Them Suffer in Silence

Saturate Tulsa-2

As Christians, we recognize that our beloved country is in turmoil and needs a spiritual reawakening. The kind that leads to true repentance and genuine revival.  Jesus said very specifically to go and make disciples of all nations but we have to begin first in our Jerusalem.  It’s not that one individual is responsible, it is the church’s responsibility.  The church needs to leave the building to go to the city.  Another way to say it is, it’s harvest time.

Saturate USA

Saturate USA is a God sized vision that seeks to take the love of the gospel to 60 million families and homes by the end of 2020 with the goal to help the church ignite repentance and revival in this country.

This is a vision that’s helping bring the body of Christ together that can only be described as divinely inspired.  Saturate Tulsa and Christ for All Nations helps local churches reach their nearest mission fields with free evangelistic materials including the multi-language Jesus film DVD’s.

Eastwood Tulsa Mission

We are going out into the community and we are putting these door hangers on each and every door.  The church is the place where we get our souls and our heart filled like a car is filled with gas and then we go out into the community and love on them and show them that Jesus is real.  Everyone that receives a packet, we pray that God would touch their hearts through the DVD’s and materials.

A lot of people are suffering in silence.  They don’t know that there is a way out. Through God we can overcome. We can be victorious. He changes lives. He heals lives. This is what we’re bringing to people. The real Jesus.  The one who loves them did not come to condemn them but came that every one of us would be set free.  So, we keep going, we keep sharing and we keep loving.

United in love and with God on our side, one city at a time, we can win our country back to Christ.

How to Get Involved

Packing Door Hanger Bags

Tuesday, November 27th and Wednesday November 28th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Choir Room.

Distribution

Saturday, December 1st from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  Must arrive at noon for orientation and snacks.

 

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Things to Do in Tulsa in November and December

13 Things To Do in Tulsa this Winter

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are plenty of festivals and family-friendly fun to be found in our area. Here are 13 things to do in November and December that are entertaining and offer family fun.  If there is something your family enjoys that is not included in this list, please share in the comments below.

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Date/Time

November 4, 2018

10:00 AM

Description

For Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Members Only.

See the 1931 Art Deco Fire Station #13 before it undergoes extensive restoration by its new owner.

This is not a guided tour, but due to the restricted space, we are staggering arrival times. Please RSVP on Eventbrite through your invitation email. INVITATION EMAILS WILL BE SENT AT 2 PM WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31st. This event is open to TFA members, and there is a 4 ticket maximum due to the size of the space.

Photo credit: Patrick McNicholas

Website

http://tulsaarchitecture.org

http://tulsaarchitecture.org/programs/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”2ND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR ROUTE 66 + BLUE DOME DISTRICT”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13204″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 10, 2018

10:00 AM

Description

Monthly architectural walking tour! Each month features a different historical area or topic of downtown. November’s tour will be Route 66 + Blue Dome District. Learn about commerce and industry, Route 66, and the Red-Light District!

Cost

$13

Children 12 and under free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Location

Foolish Things Coffee Company

1001 South Main Street

Tulsa, OK 74119

Website

http://tulsaarchitecture.org/programs/

Photo credit: Rhys Martin Cloudless Lens Photography[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”PHILBROOK FESTIVAL”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13205″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 23rd to December 31st, 2018

Festival Nights: Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving (Nov. 23-24); Friday, Nov. 30; All Fridays in December (Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). On these Festival Nights, the Museum closes at 9pm. For details, and more visit https://philbrook.org/visit/fundraising/festival/

Description

Philbrook Festival returns for eight unforgettable evenings November 23 – December 31, 2018. Enjoy the most beautiful place in Oklahoma during the most wonderful time of the year.

The Museum comes alive with festive holiday events, Santa, train rides, LEGO village, garden games, live music, shopping, décor, and thousands of lights reflecting the spirit of the season. Gather the whole family for an unforgettable experience.

Each Festival Night is ticketed and pre-purchased tickets are strongly encouraged, as space is limited each Festival Night. Youth 17 & under are free and require a ticket.

Cost

$

Location

Philbrook Museum of Art
2727 S Rockford Rd
Tulsa, OK 74114
Phone: 918-749-7941
Fax: 918-743-4230

Website

https://philbrook.org/visit/fundraising/festival/

https://www.facebook.com/PhilbrookMuseum[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13207″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 16 – November 18, 2018

Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Description

The country’s No. 1 contemporary craft show returns this fall Nov. 16 – 18 to the River Spirit Expo at Expo Square featuring 500 vendors in 900 booths. Shop clothing, jewelry, accessories, furniture, home decor, housewares, wood crafts, fabric crafts, gourmet foods, bath and body, and so much more.

Cost

Admission is just $10 at the door and is good for all three days. Kids 12 and under get in free.

Location

River Spirit Expo
4145 E 21st St
Tulsa, OK 74112

Website

http://www.aaoth.com

https://www.facebook.com/heartoftulsa/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”WILLIAMS ROUTE 66 MARATHON & HALF MARATHON”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13208″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 17 to November 18, 2018

10:00 AM

Description

The Williams Route 66 Marathon & Half Marathon in Tulsa is a top annual sporting event in the region. Much more than just a competitive run, this two-day event features a health, fitness and sustainability expo that encourages healthy practices and educates the public on new and interesting ways to live a healthy life.

Runners have the option to tackle the whole marathon or gather friends for a relay team of three to five people. A 5K route, fun run and half marathon are also available. In the past, this event has received the titles Best Marathon, Best Half Marathon and Best Post Race Party by Oklahoma Sports & Fitness Magazine. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to have fun and be challenged.

Cost

$20 and up

Register to run here.

Location

Guthrie Green
111 E MB Brady St
Tulsa, OK  74103
Phone: 918-408-1208

Website

http://route66marathon.com

https://www.facebook.com/route66marathon[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”RHEMA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13209″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 22, 2018 – January 1, 2019

5:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Flip the Switch” at 6 PM on Nov. 21 #rhemalights

Description

A family friendly Christmas tradition since 1982, Rhema Christmas Lights Extravaganza offers a brilliant display of over two million twinkling lights and over 100,000 shimmering bulbs synchronized to Christmas music. Visitors to the Rhema Christmas Lights event can drive through the lights in their own vehicle, get out of the car and walk around the park, or view the spectacular displays from a carriage. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on select evenings.

The “Christmas Tree Forest” features a 22-foot tree, including a five-foot star, surrounded by smaller, beautifully lit metal trees. And as always, the vibrant Rhema Park bridge acts as a remarkable centerpiece for the entire display.

Rhema’s Christmas lights display was designed to provide a safe, peaceful, and fun atmosphere in which people can enjoy the Christmas season and to bless the community and point visitors to the love of Jesus Christ and the real meaning of Christmas.

Cost

FREE

Location

Rhema Bible Church
1025 W Kenosha St
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Phone: 918-258-1588

Website

http://www.rhemalights.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”CASTLE CHRISTMAS”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13210″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 25 to December 31, 2018

5:30 – 10:00 pm

Description

Drive through Castleton Village, filled with over 2,000 holiday displays and thousands of colorful lights, creating an unforgettable experience. Open every night, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, 5:30 pm-10:00 pm.

Cost

FREE Drive through. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Location

The Castle of Muskogee
3400 W Fern Mountain Rd
Muskogee, OK  74401
Phone: 918-687-3625

Website

http://www.okcastle.com/castle-christmas.html

https://www.facebook.com/thecastleofmuskogee[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”WINTERFEST “][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13212″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4”][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 24, 2018 through January 7, 2019

Description

Downtown Tulsa is transformed into a festive wonderland during Winterfest, an annual holiday tradition. Bring friends and family together for holiday festivities and share the joyful spirit of the season. Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating on 9,000 square feet of perfectly layered ice (bigger than Rockefeller Feller Center in New York City), see Oklahoma’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to live entertainment and browse beautiful holiday light displays.

Cost

$6-12

Location

Downtown
200 S. Denver
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-894-4268

Website

http://tulsawinterfest.com

https://www.facebook.com/winterfest.tulsa/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”GARDEN OF LIGHTS”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13213″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

November 23, 2018 through January 1, 2019

Description

Visit the annual “Garden of Lights” in historic Honor Heights Park in Muskogee this Christmas season.  The drive through experience includes 120 acres of trees, bushes and water areas decorated for the holiday season with over a million shimmering lights.

Cost

$5/car $10/bus

Location

Honor Heights Park
1400 Honor Heights Dr.
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 918-684-6302[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”BASS PRO SHOPS WINTER WONDERLAND”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13214″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

December 4 – 24, 2018

10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Description

Features giveaways, crafts, activities and the chance to meet Santa. The daily event continues through Christmas Eve. One FREE photo with Santa, additional photos available for purchase. Open weekdays, 5 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

See website for a complete schedule of events.

Cost

FREE

Location

101 Bass Pro Dr
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
(918) 355-7600

Website

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland-2016#jumpSchedule[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”TULSA BALLET THE NUTCRACKER”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13215″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

December 8 – 23, 2018

Description

Set in 1920’s Paris, the birthplace of classical ballet, Marcello Angelini’s vision of The Nutcracker has been a Tulsa favorite since 2003. Whether you’ve seen it once or one hundred times, this magical holiday spectacular is guaranteed to capture your imagination. This production will be retired in a few short years, be sure to see it now before it’s gone forever!

Cost

$25-$105

Location

Tulsa Performing Arts Center
110 E 2nd St
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-749-6006

Website

https://tulsaballet.org/the-nutcracker-5/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”TULSA CHRISTMAS PARADE”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13216″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

December 8, 2018

1:00 pm

Description

Since 1926, the Tulsa Christmas Parade has entertained thousands of children and adults year after year as it winds through the historic streets of downtown Tulsa. This year’s theme is Miracle at Boston and 4th Street and will feature floats from holiday blockbuster movies such as, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Elf”, “Home Alone”, “A Christmas Story”, “Christmas Vacation”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “The Polar Express”, “Avengers”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and more. Enjoy crowd favorites, such as gigantic helium balloons escorted by teams of balloon wranglers, bands, drill teams, and dancers, from the street view or from reserved, bleacher seating for $26. Tickets are available for individual seating as well as group rates.

Cost

FREE

Location

Downtown Tulsa
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-732-9403

Website

https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasParadeofTulsa

http://www.tulsachristmasparade.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”2ND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR DECO IN DECEMBER”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13218″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

December 8, 2018

10:00 AM

Description

Monthly architectural walking tour! Each month we feature a different historical area or topic of downtown.  December’s tour will be Deco in December.

Tulsa boasts one of the nation’s best collections of gorgeous Art Deco architecture. Join us to learn what all the fuss is about!

Cost

$13

Children 12 and under free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Location

Foolish Things Coffee Company
1001 South Main Street
Tulsa, OK 74119

Website

http://tulsaarchitecture.org

https://www.facebook.com/events/20860267298536[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”THIS HOPE CHRISTMAS CONCERT” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13253″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

December 14, 2018

7:00 PM

Description

This Hope in concert. Enjoy holiday favorites and timeless Christmas music from the acapella harmonies of This Hope.

Cost

FREE

Donations accepted

Location

Eastwood Tulsa
948 S 91stE Ave
Tulsa, OK 74112

Website

https://eastwoodtulsa.org/this-hope-christmas-concert[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE” margin_design_tab_text=””][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13254″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Date/Time

Monday, December 24, 2018

6:00 PM

Description

Come with your whole family as we celebrate the both of the King of Kings. This special candlelight service is filled with joys of the season, carols and the sacred remembrance of our Savior. Hot cider and coffee will be available and a Christmas cookie or two.

Cost

FREE

Location

Eastwood Tulsa
948 S 91stE Ave
Tulsa, OK 7411

Website

https://eastwoodtulsa.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

These are just a few of the fun festivals and events to visit to celebrate fall and winter in our area. So, load up your family and friends and have a good time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]