In this three part series, we will look at two commands and an example of obedience in reference to the Christmas story.  On December 11, we are planning to have a special guest, Matthew Sisusa, share his story of being separated from his wife and kids while in Liberia, now in the process of being reunited 9 years later.

 

Repentance is one of the key themes of Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas.  This text in Mark highlights John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus.  His message is simple, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3.1).  John the Baptist is the fulfillment of a prophesy from Isaiah 40, “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”  This message will challenge people to make changes in their lives this holiday season as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of our Savior.

 

Matthew will be sharing his story during our 10:00 am worship service.  You can read a portion of his story in the link below that appeared in the newspaper recently.  Matthew is a Christian man from Liberia.  Matthew had to flee Liberia 9 years ago because of civil war.  He was separated from his wife and two of his three children.  He had not heard from his wife during this entire time until she called him out of the blue a couple of months ago.  Matthew’s story is one of hope and trust in God.  To read the newspaper article, click on the link below.

Behold is a word that is a command to draw our attention away from ourselves and to something amazing.  Too much of the time, we can be guilty of the sin of familiarity.  For many, we have heard the Christmas story before.  It is not exciting.  This message will seek to challenge people to BEHOLD the miracle of the virgin birth and to look out for what God is doing all around them.  A simple one word summary of the Christmas story may be, “Behold!”

 

When Jesus is only days old, his parents bring him to the temple to be dedicated.  Two older people are there, Simeon and Anna.  Simeon’s response to seeing the Lord’s Christ is one of praise (ie. Thanksgiving).  Later, Anna gives thanks to God (Lk 2.38).  A proper response to the miracle of Christmas is to Give Thanks.  Thank God for saving us.  Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus.  Simply, Thank God.