On this, the fourth Sunday of Advent, and for us the occasion of our Youth and Sunday School presentation, it’s a very warm “Welcome!” to everyone present.
To any who may be visiting we extend to you an extra special greeting and invite you to stay and be a part of our special morning tea for Peter and Yvonne Bichengu.
A particular Christmas invocation written for this time of the year is:
Invocation
Lord God, you have revealed to us
Your nature, your love in the incarnation or your Son.
Who lived among us.
Who shared our struggles,
Who won the victory over sin and death.
We come in gratitude today.
Speak to us, 0 God, especially today.
Keep us from becoming calloused with the familiar Christmas story.
Give us the meekness or those who came
From near and tar to kneel in a lowly stable, to adore the Christ Child.
In Christ’s birth and life we see your grace and truth.
In Christ’s death we see your love.
In Christ’s Resurrection we see your acceptance of his sacrifice.
And the assurance of-our acceptance into your Family.
Our Worship Leader this morning is Ted Smith and when it is time for us to remember Jesus’ death for us on the cross (the reason behind this season), our Communion Leader will be Steve Bown.
As the star draws ever closer to the site of the manger we’re reminded of the series of sermons which Pastor Grant has been preaching through Advent about the travelling of the characters of the Christmas story. The title of this morning’s message is “Journeying With Jesus –Travelling Light.” The fifth and final instalment will be on Christmas Day.
Dr Jim Showers from The Friends of Israel ministry wrote recently, “As I travel, so many people say to me, ”Jesus must be coming soon because with all that is happening it seems like the end is near. This world can’t continue as it is much longer.” They say this from an innate sense, born out of an understanding of Scripture and an observation of the events unfolding before our eyes.
We long for the soon coming of Messiah to judge the nations, rescue Israel, and restore the Kingdom of God on Earth. We want to see a world where injustice and evil are replaced with justice and peace for all. .. On that night long ago, when God sent His Son into the world those who for so long had wished for Him slept. In some ways little has changed in 2000 years. People are still looking for a Messiah who will conquer the evil in this world and establish peace, someone who can fix this broken Earth. Rather than a political saviour they fail to see their greater need for a spiritual Saviour.
This year, and each tear, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are giving honour, not only to His first coming (Incarnation), but to His promised second coming (Parousia).
Maranatha, may He come quickly!
˄GS
