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Connect with people in Jesus;
Build each other up in faith; and to
Become Like Jesus.
Isaiah 35:1-7 & Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord.
Today is the Sunday of Joy. During the four Sundays of Advent, we are to look forward not only to the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also to the climax of history when Christ shall reign over all. When Paul tells us to rejoice he is thinking more of the second coming of Christ than the birth of Christ child. He wants us to focus on the idea that Christ stands just outside the door of history.
In the Epistle reading Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (vs 4) In fact, Paul was in prison when he wrote this, and probably in Rome. Paul knows that it is near the end. How can Paul find anything to sing about when he is in prison waiting to die? How could he do that? It is just amazing and incredible.
Paul rejoices and sings because he believes that God is in control and would provide everything even in the darkest times. Remember, what the first thing that the angel said to the shepherds watching over their flocks that first Christmas night? The first thing the angel said to them was, “Do not be afraid.” The second thing the angel said was, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
The season of Advent and Christmas was never meant to be a time of anxiety, but of joy. That is why the words in Philippians are so appropriate for today, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” IL-WOONG.
Essential Christmas
The IS a dragon in my Nativity
Silent Night Hymn Story – Grace Ministries
Carols by Streetlight Join us as we walk local streets singing carols and bringing Christmas joy to residents.
Tuesday 17th December 7.00pm to 8.30pm – Carols by Streetlight event – meet at worship centre.
Family Christmas Event in the Carpark
Sunday 22nd December – BBQ 6.00pm, Carols 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
Christmas Celebrations will kick off at 6.00pm with a free BBQ (donation buckets for drought relief will be available), rock climbing wall, jumping castle, tattoos and other carpark excitement for the whole family. The story of Jesus’ birth will follow at 7.00pm with a sensational performance, Tongan Brass Band, sample bags and Christmas carols.
Christmas Morning Celebration
Wednesday 25th December @ 8:30am – 9:30am
World renowned artist sculpts nativity scene live – Eternity News
Tolerance – Daily Nudge
Cricket, Redemption and the Myths of Modernity – Ethos Centre for Christianity and Society
DVD of the Week:
Christmas Manger. Fleeing an abusive relationship, Jessica is reunited with her estranged foster father, “Chap”, a rough-around-the-edges rancher. With the help of a handsome neighbour, the group learns to trust again and discovers that there is hope and healing at the manager.
The Happyland Nativity: The Meaning of Christmas
Missing Jesus – The Skit Guys
Instead of You – Fuelcast
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – DECEMBER 2019 For this year, the Church Council has decided that the Christmas Offerings will be shared between the traditional ‘Christmas Bowl Appeal’ and the Uniting Church Moderator’s Drought Relief Appeal. The arrangements will be –
1. Proceeds from ‘Carols in the Car Park’ and the Christmas Day Worship-Cash Offering will be sent to the Uniting Church Moderator’s Bushfires / Drought Relief Appeal.