“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23 ESV)
This Sunday we will continue our observance of Advent, the season where we are waiting and anticipating the Lord’s coming. During the month of December, our theme is “God with Us.” This third week we will look at how “God with Us Brings JOY”. In a time of heartache and troubles, what we all need is a deep, abiding joy. Not a happiness that comes and goes based on circumstances, but a joy that comes because God is with us!
We’re going to look at how the Lord brought a great joy into the life of Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother), removing her shame and granting her great privilege. To prepare your heart and mind for this message, read again the beginning of the Christmas story found in Luke 1, paying attention to Elizabeth’s place in the story, and how she experienced and expressed her joy. We will also be blessed with a performance from some dancing angels during the worship service this week. We will also be hearing from our Brownsville Gospel Choir with some selections from Handel’s Messiah! Be sure to come, and invite a friend!
This Saturday at 8am is our monthly Men’s Breakfast. Please come join in on good food, and a great time together with fellow brothers in Christ. The gathering will take place in the Fellowship Hall — come, bring your appetite, and invite a friend! There will be a discussion based on R.C. Sproul’s teaching on “From Dust to Glory,” which is an apologetic overview of the Bible. Don’t miss it!
As you’re making your Christmas plans with your family, don’t forget to plan on attending Christmas by Candlelight on Monday, December 24th, at 6pm. Please bring some cookies or finger foods to share for a time of fellowship after the service. This is always one of the most meaningful parts of the Christmas season for many of us. Hope you can join us!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael