IMMANUEL
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
Let us to-day go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi, let us see Him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in Him, and can sing, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Jesus is Jehovah incarnate, our Lord and our God, and yet our brother and friend; let us adore and admire. Let us notice at the very first glance His miraculous conception. It was a thing unheard of before, and unparalleled since, that a virgin should conceive and bear a Son. The first promise ran thus, “The seed of the woman,” not the offspring of the man. Since venturous woman led the way in the sin which brought forth Paradise lost, she, and she alone, ushers in the Regainer of Paradise. Our Saviour, although truly man, was as to His human nature the Holy One of God.
Let us reverently bow before the Holy Child whose innocence restores to manhood its ancient glory; and let us pray that He may be formed in us, the hope of glory. Fail not to note His humble parentage. His mother has been described simply as “a virgin,” not a princess, or prophetess, nor a matron of large estate. True the blood of kings ran in her veins; nor was her mind a weak and untaught one, for she could sing most sweetly a song of praise; but yet how humble her position, how poor the man to whom she stood affianced, and how miserable the accommodation afforded to the new-born King!
Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour. – C.H. Spurgeon
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, December 15, 2019
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
- Adult Bible Class – Mr. James Fraser
- Young Adult Bible Class – Upper Room
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
4:00 p.m. Community Outreach
5:00 p.m. Fellowship Classes
6:00 p.m. Pre-service prayer time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Sunday School/GNBC Christmas Program
Light refreshments following the evening service.
Weekly Announcements
Monday, December 16th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Wednesday, December 18th
7:25 p.m. Bible study and Prayer meeting
Thursday, December 19th
7:00 p.m. WCS Christmas Concert (Everyone Welcome)
Christmas Market immediately following in the gym.
Friday, December 20th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
NOTE: There will be no Sunday school or adult Bible classes on December 22nd & 29th, to give our workers a break over the holidays. All classes will resume on Sunday, January 5th, 2020.
Advance Announcements
Sunday, December 22nd
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
International lunch following the morning service.
2:30 p.m. Afternoon Service – Christmas Praise
No other meetings this week
INTERNATIONAL LUNCH - DECEMBER 22nd
Everyone is invited to a special ‘International Lunch’ following the morning service on December 22nd. Families are asked to bring a hot dish and salad or dessert. Please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer so that we can get an idea of how many tables are required. Following the lunch, we will have a time of Carol singing and Scripture reading. There will be no evening service.
HELP FOR THE OWENS’
If you would like to make a donation to Rev. Phil & Tonia Owen after the devastation of losing their house to a fire, you can give via this PayPal account: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8kyjYbR8mJ
MARK ALLISON – HEALTH UPDATE
We give God all the praise for the following update from his daughter Hannah:
“By God’s grace, he received a miraculous report. Per the doctor, they can no longer see the tumour, and we all stand amazed. While the doctor said it is likely that there are remaining cancer cells, there is currently nothing “measurable” for them to evaluate. They have graduated him from every 2-month appointment schedule to every 3-month schedule. We are rejoicing. Truly, this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes!”
CHRISTMAS CARD
Each year, instead of exchanging Christmas cards among the congregation, we donate those funds to a worthy cause. This year we are supporting “Iglesia Cristiana El Redentor” (The Redeemer Christian Church), the Free Presbyterian work in Mexico City. Donations will go towards the purchase of a church building. If you would like to help with this special offering, please mark your offering envelope, “Mexico City”. Thank you!
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Perth, Western Australia
Rev. Philip & Cherith Gardiner
- Pray for the youth camp in mid-December. Please pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of young people.
- Pray for the needy people that have come in recently that the Lord to deal with hard hearts.
- Pray for the carol service in the public housing unit where they hold a weekly Bible study. Please pray for the unconverted to come and hear God’s Word.
BAPTISM
Anyone desiring to be baptized in obedience to the Lord, please contact Pastor Saunders. Our service is planned for January 29, 2020, during our week of prayer.
LIBERIA MISSION TRIP
Our Mission Board is planning a mission trip to Liberia from August 4th–18th, 2020. We will be working with Rev. David DiCanio and Miss Joanne Greer, helping with Vacation Bible School, children’s programs, and generally assisting with other ministry tasks. This trip is intended for individuals 18 years old and over, those who are under 18 will be considered only on a case-by-case basis based upon the recommendation of their Session. Applications and Session recommendation letters must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2020.
