Good Morning!
Please be advised that due to a viewing at Angus on Sunday night, Dec.30th, we are asked to go to H.C.MacQuarrie in Stellarton for service.
Here's the notes from Sunday's service (Thanks, Jean)
Dr.
Barclay-Something to Think About
Theme:
“Be Not Afraid”
Luke Chapter 2:8-11
And there were shepherds living out
in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of
the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the
town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Today people
are filled with fear. Fear of earthquakes, flood, disease, loss of job,
economic turmoil etc. The earth is permeated with fear. In the bible Paul had
plenty to be afraid of, he was imprisoned and shipwrecked. Yet Paul tells us
the secret of contentment and being at peace with life.
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in
need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know
what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him
who gives me strength.
Paul’s great
secret was that he had joy. That joy came from his intimate relationship with
Christ. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is
transient, we may be happy one day and not the next. But the inner joy that God
gives us is lasting and stays with us all the time. The more we pray, read
God’s word and trust in God’s faithfulness, we will be filled with his joy, the
joy that no man can ever take away. We need not be afraid when we have the joy
of the Lord
Christ came
and died for us that our joy would be complete. The greatest gift we could ever
receive is the joy of the Lord and it is free to all who seek Christ.
Stacy
Dlamini-Theme: Magi (Wise Men)
Matthew 2:1-12
Magi was the
term applied to men who were astrologers, who had uncommon skills to read the
future and interpret the signs of the times. These were wise and highly
educated men from Persia.
The three
magi brought Jesus very unique gifts each with a significant and important
meaning.
Gold
-representing Kingship
Frankincense-
a symbol of deity.
Myrrh-an
embalming oil a symbol of death.
Many people
in Judea at that time had no idea that God’s salvation plan had been activated
among them. But the Magi from the east were in tune with the times and God and
they knew what was going on, they knew a divine King was born here on earth. Therefore,
the Magi bowed down and gave their riches to Jesus. God revealed himself and
his wonderful plans to the Magi. It is wonderful to know that Christ our
almighty King was first worshiped by Shepherds, Angels and three specially
chosen wise men.
