WISE MEN FROM THE EAST
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped him.” Matthew 2:11
We have here the wise men’s humble attendance upon this new-born King of the Jews, and the honours they paid him. From Jerusalem they went to Bethlehem, resolving to seek till they should find; but it is very strange that they went alone; that not one person of the court, church, or city should accompany them, if not in conscience, yet in civility to them, or touched with a curiosity to see this young prince.
They found Christ by the same star that they had seen in their own country. From the first appearance of the star, they were given to understand where they might inquire for this King, and then the star disappeared. They were then left to take the usual methods for such an inquiry. We take note that extraordinary helps are not to be expected where ordinary means are to be had. If we go on as far as we can in the way of our duty, God will direct and enable us to do that which of ourselves we cannot do.
Having found the King they sought, the wise men presented themselves first, and then their gifts to him. “They fell down and worshiped him.” We do not read that they gave such honor to Herod, though he was in the height of his royal grandeur. But to this babe they gave this honor, not only as to a king, for then they would have done the same to Herod, but as to a God. All that have found Christ fall down before him, adore him, and submit themselves to him. It will be the wisdom of the wisest of men. The gifts they presented were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Providence sent this for a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition.
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” Herod appointed them to bring him word of the discoveries they made, and it is probable that, not suspecting their being made Herod’s tools in a wicked design, they would have done so if they had not been countermanded. Those that mean honestly and well themselves, are easily made to believe that others do so too and cannot think the world is so bad as it really is.
It is strange that we never hear any more of these wise men, and that they or theirs did not afterward attend Christ in the temple, whom they had worshiped in the cradle. However, the direction they had from God in their return would be a further confirmation of their faith in this Child as the Lord from heaven. – Matthew Henry
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, December 22, 2019
No Sunday school today. Classes will resume January 5th
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
International lunch immediately following the morning service.
2:30 p.m. Afternoon Service – Christmas Carol Praise
4:00 p.m. Community Outreach
No Evening Service today
Weekly Announcements
NO OTHER MEETINGS THIS WEEK
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 29th
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
5:00 p.m. Session & Board Prayer Time
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Time
6:30 p.m. Evening Testimony & Praise Service
There will be light refreshments following the evening service for those who wish to stay.
No other meetings this week
JANUARY 2020 AT A GLANCE
- Sunday, January 5th All regular Sunday school classes resume.
- Tuesday, January 21st – 7:15 p.m. Women’s Bible Study
- TFPC Congregational Week of Prayer January 27th – 31st
DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Our dear brother Ken Postil went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 21st. We rejoice that he is with his Saviour. Please remember his family in prayer at this sad time.
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!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING TO GOD’S WORK
So many have faithfully and sacrificially given to God’s work in this local church and the missionaries we support. The Lord promises to bless those who give their tithes and offerings to further His cause. Don’t miss out on that blessing!
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Each week we highlight one of our churches or mission fields for special prayer. Throughout this year we have covered each work in our weekly bulletins. Let us continue to hold up our brothers and sisters with the vital ministry of prayer.
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.
