I just wanted to take a few minutes to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! As I pray for all of us in this Christmas season my prayer is simple… That we would all remember the child who was born and not be distracted by all the tinsel.
We have many different things competing for our attention and some of them aren’t even Christmas related – has anyone heard of omicron?! Well, despite all these time consuming distractions, the chaos in our society, and the pressures we all face on a daily basis, I am convinced more than ever that God is present because He is our EMMANUEL – “God with us! “
We are not abandoned or orphaned by our Heavenly Father, so don’t be discouraged or fearful of anything going on in society. Jesus said (John 16:33), “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We are overcomers because of Christ, whether we feel like it or not, and I can assure you that neither omicron, our government, the media or anything else will have the final say! The Alpha and Omega has the final say and I will trust God’s Word over anything the fear driven media says!
Turn the news channels off and open the Word – fill your heart and mind with the hope of Christmas; focus on the child born in the manger, the one who came to save us from our sins and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father. We are children of God and that’s exactly what we need to remember as we worship EMMANUEL this Christmas season.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Here is just a reminder of some upcoming dates:
Wednesday 22nd December 7:30pm – Prayer Meeting (No Encounter gathering)
Christmas Day 10:30am – Christmas Morning Gathering
Boxing Day – No Meeting
Wednesday 29th December – No Meeting
Sunday 2nd January 10:30am – Morning Gathering