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Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This coming Lord’s Day, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we are continuing our study of what was said about the birth of Jesus. And you will remember that up to this point we have considered what Mary said, what the heavenly host said, and then what Simeon said.
On Sunday morning, Christmas Eve, we will consider another passage from the Gospel of Mathew that will reveal what the “chief priests” and “scribes” of Israel had to say about the birth of Jesus our Lord and Savior—Matthew 2:1-6. Of course, as we have looked and listened to what was declared about the birth of Jesus by others, both human and angels, we have learned more about the kind of Savior that He is, and about the kind of people that He came to save. In other words, we have been learning much about the true meaning and glory of Christmas!
The words of these Biblical and theological experts of Israel, spoken in reply to Herod’s question about the exact whereabouts of the newborn Jesus, are recorded in Matthew 2:6. Their answer represents a combination and interpretation of three passages from the Old Testament that speak prophetically about our Savior and Lord—2 Samuel 5:2, Ezekiel 34:23, and Micah 5:2:
“In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel’” (2 Sam. 5:2).
And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd (Ezek. 34:23).
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Mic. 5:2).
What an amazing claim to make about the infant Jesus! And what a rich passage of Scripture to explore together on Christmas Eve morning!
Then, on Sunday night at 5:00 PM, we will have our annual Christmas Eve Service of Worship and Communion. As we have done in the past, we will worship our Lord through a number of Scripture readings and Christmas hymns and carols, followed by the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Our table mediation will be from Matthew 2:8, and is entitled “What Herod Said.”
I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you all, and I look forward to all of the blessings that will be ours as we come before our King in worship and praise!
Before I go, just a reminder that there is no Sunday School on December 24 or 31. Our Spring Semester of Sunday School will begin on January 7. Our Adults will be studying the Christian classic by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure. A link to this book is below if you’d like to secure your own copy and read along with us.
I love you all!
Mike
Upcoming Events:
December 24, 5 PM – Christmas Eve Service
January 2, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
January 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Lunch
January 10, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study
Order of Worship:
You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here
The songs for this week are:
Go Tell It On The Mountain – Hymn 224 v.1-3
The Son of God Came Down
Who Would Have Dreamed
What Child Is This – Hymn 213, vs 1-3
You can also access the Christmas Eve bulletin by clicking here
Announcements:
Schedule Announcement: There will be no Sunday School on the mornings of 12/24 and 12/31. We will have our annual Christmas Eve service on 12/24 at 5 PM. Sunday School will resume 1/7.
Women’s Bible Studies: The Women’s morning study will resume on January 10, while the evening study will resume on January 2.
Advent Scripture Read-Along: Ladies of Christ Presbyterian Church, please join us for an Advent Scripture Read-Along through the book of Romans. We will have a slow pace in order to allow you ample time to think upon the Bible’s greatest themes, all presented and explained in 16 chapters. I encourage you to find a study bible and dig deep in the notes as you read, 5 chapters a week will allow you to chase as many rabbits as you want.
Schedule as follows:
Dec. 4-8 Chapters 1-5
Dec. 11-15 Ch. 6-10
Dec. 18-22 Ch. 11-16
Here is what the Reformation Study Bible introduction says:
“Romans is Paul’s fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel. Its compressed declarations of vast truths are like coiled springs- once loosed, they leap through mind and heart to fill one’s horizons and shape one’s life.” and later: “From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the whole becomes plain. The study of Romans is vitally necessary for the spiritual health and insight of the Christian.”
There is nothing better I can say to commend this book to you than that! Please email me with any questions and I’d love to know if you’re participating! Niniandjb@gmail.com
Sincerely In Christ,
Denise Brown
Presbytery-wide Youth Retreat: “Roots” is the Providence Presbytery’s annual winter retreat. This retreat provides Gospel-centered teaching, worship, and fellowship for the youth in our presbytery. Make plans to join us the weekend of January 19-21, 2018 at Camp ToknowHim!! Note that registration is open until January 5. Click here for more details, including cost, agenda, and what to bring.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Suzi Jones, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, and Joyce Bosley.
Birth: Congratulations to the Bryant family, whose son Jack was born this week.
Expecting: Please pray for the the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords and Deans, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).