To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It is getting closer! What seemed to take forever now seems to fly by, not sure if the flow of time has changed or I have just aged, but either way it is significantly different. How are you preparing for Christmas spiritually? I know the physical things need to happen, like lights and trees and presents, but far more important than those, is the remembrance of who Jesus is and why He came. Make sure to review the story in your heart, and reflect on the wonder of Christmas so that it can reform your joy! Christmas Is Coming!
This week we celebrate the 75 year anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. This battle was started on December 16, 1944, and really was a battle that was fought after the war had already been won by Allied forces. The Germans grouped a massive attack force that they hid in the forests along the Allied lines, and then 410, 000 men, Just over 1, 400 tanks and a lot of other combat ready guns entered the fray (including 1,000 planes). Over the six weeks there was brutal combat between allied forces and Germany and reports are that over 70, 000 Americans were injured and 19, 000 killed. This was the bloodiest battle fought by the United States in the Second World War. A friend of mine was there, and shared with me the horror of what went on during these horrific six weeks with tears in his eyes as he reflected on death, cold and the brutality of war. Why do we celebrate this horror? Two reasons, the first is to remember what price was paid for the freedom of the West by these soldiers. Hitler had to be stopped and was, and I am thankful for those who paid the price for this war, both those who never came back, and those like my friend, came back scarred. The second is that it is a great reminder of the battle we now fight in as Christians. The WAR has been won by Jesus, we are the victors with Him, and yet the battle goes on. As it rages around us, we know we will win, in fact so sure of it, we declare that we KNOW WE HAVE WON, however the battle is real and the causalities heart breaking. Keep fighting for holiness and love, keep pursuing being a part of the mission of Jesus by conforming yourself to His image, and calling people to know Him. The battle rages on, the victory is sure, and we fight in His strength! If you know a soldier who fought in the Second World War, thank them, and if you need awakening, remember that the Christian life is a call to arms, and VICTORY IS SURE!
Invite someone to Christmas Eve Service! We are having a traditional candle light service, and through the songs sung to you and with you and the message of the Gospel presented we hope to invite people into the presence of our Saviour! Christmas Eve Service starts at 6:00, and we will seek together to make this hour a focus on Jesus as we rejoice in the reality that the LIGHT OF THE WORLD HAS COME! All are welcome!
Reminder for those of us that attend Cloverdale Baptist that over the Christmas season we will get a larger than normal number of guests. Please be attentive for people you don't know and welcome them. Perhaps something like, "I am not sure if I have met you before, welcome to CBC", or something like that might save you from greeting someone who has been here 20 years, but you have not met. Christmas is about the love of God, and we have the opportunity to display that every time we meet people, so please with us, help our foyer to be one where the presence of God is felt through the love of His people!
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Mary: Faith On Display In Freedom
Text: Luke 1:26-38
One of the greatest women who ever lived is Mary. She was chosen by God before the creation of the world, for her role to be the mother of Jesus. She truly is an amazing woman, who responds to her circumstances with faith and submission.
We sometimes as evangelicals ignore her in response to others who give her way too much prayerful attention. So, although we REJECT fully the idea that you can pray to her, or worship her in any way, we do want to REVIEW the reality that God chose and ordinary woman and used her in extraordinary ways. She is amazing in what she got to participate in, in salvation history.
I want to be like Mary, and perhaps, I am. Ordinary, and yet called by God to participate in His eternal plan. Stretched out of my comfort zone, and if I submit fully, sold out to Him, someone who will be used to accomplish great things.
- As you prepare your heart for Sunday and reflect on her ordinary extraordinary life, ask the following questions:
- Why is it important that we remember that Mary was an ordinary person?
- What does Mary's response to the reality that she would be pregnant as a virgin teach us?
- If you were to list this ordinary (probably teenage) girls attributes, what would your top 3 be?
- How can you as an ordinary extraordinary child of God be more like Mary this week?
Honoured to celebrate Christmas with you, delighted to help us create a place where the presence of God is experienced,
Pastor Rob