CPC THIS WEEK
December 16, 2011
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“What I Know vs. What I don’t Know”
For the record – the second category is far greater. In fact, perhaps one day I’ll write a brief article appropriately entitled, “What I Know vs. What I Forgot!” In so many ways, it really would have to be a brief article!
So, where is this headed? Consider this. Have you ever noticed when reading the story of Christ’s birth how much information we don’t have? Especially when you consider some of the detail included by doctor Luke in other parts of his letters to Theophilus. Here’s a short list of what I mean?
Joseph’s Parents/Mary’s Parents
Joseph’s age/Mary’s age
When did Joseph learn of Mary’s pregnancy
Did Joseph deliver his son or were women present to help Mary
What was the day and time of Jesus’ birth
Did the angels sing or were they speaking
How many shepherds came to the manger
When exactly did the wise men arrive in Bethlehem
How many wise men came
How long did Joseph, Mary and Jesus remain in Bethlehem
When did Joseph and Mary have their “official” wedding ceremony
Okay – long enough! Yes, there is quite a bit of information out there beyond our reach. But, the information we do have is solid and sufficient – more than sufficient. The Apostle John ran into a similar situation when writing his gospel:
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30,31)
We may not have it all, but there’s enough information to save us!
As for Christmas, we have so much more information than others before us. Think about it? Angels appear in the Bethlehem night and tell a group of shepherds that their Savior has just been born. An address? Are you kidding! They’re going to have to find Him. And by the way, He’ll be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger! But they go – and they find Him, just as the celestial night visitors had told them. And there were others who searched. These men decide to follow a star! If they had enough information, so do we - so does everyone. It’s a simple story with a simple truth. So, what do I really need know about Christmas?
Here it is – and I’ll let the angel(s) tell it once again for us,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:10-14)
What do I need to know about Christmas? That God kept His promise! “A Savior has been born to you; He IS Christ the Lord!” That’s GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY!
Now for the next question…
For those of us that know, what will we do with that information?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Bob
**SUNDAY'S SERMON**
Christmas: The Best Story Ever Told
Chapter 3 - Angels
“A Celestial Christmas”
Luke 2:8-15
Bob Clark
CPC Adult Sunday School
The Session will present the 2012 budget. We invite everyone to remain following worship for this important meeting
Don’t Forget - CPC Christmas Dinner Party!!!
Where: Forest Hills Country Club
When: Sunday, December 18, 6 pm
Who: Adult CPC members and friends
Cost: $20.00/person (financial assistance is available)
And…..There will be an ornament exchange for those attending. Please bring an ornament with your name on it that will be selected by another member for prayer during 2012.
Christmas Singing Telegrams
The Youth Group will deliver a few songs of Christmas joy and cheer, as well as a Christmas surprise, to a business associate, relative, shut-in, nursing home resident, or your favorite person/persons, on Saturday, December 17th, from 5:30 –8:30 p.m.
To order your Singing Telegram, fill out the form in this Sunday’s bulletin and return to the church foyer table this week, or next Sunday December 11th. Please call the church office by 3:00 pm today, Friday, December 16th.
Suggested donation: $10 per telegram
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:
ISRAEL: BOMBER TO STAND TRIAL
A man who planted a bomb at the home of a Messianic Jewish family in the West Bank has been declared fit to stand trial. Yaakov “Jack” Teitel, 39, is accused of bombing the home of Pastor David Ortiz in March 2008. He is additionally charged in connection with the murder of two Palestinians and with other serious offenses. Teitel’s lawyers had argued that he was not mentally competent, but a district court judge in Jerusalem ruled that he is competent to stand trial. In May 2010, Teitel had said, “I don't know if I’m sane. I don’t recognize the jurisdiction of this court. I feel good.”
Teitel, who has been dubbed the “Jewish terrorist,” emigrated from Florida to Israel in 2000. He moved to a West Bank settlement, where he married and had four children. In November 2009, he was charged with the murders of a Palestinian taxi driver and a Palestinian shepherd in addition to other crimes.
In March 2008, according to the indictment, Teitel attempted to murder 15-year-old Amiel Ortiz, the son of a Messianic Jewish couple in Ariel. Teitel allegedly placed a bomb in a Purim gift basket at the Ortiz’s home. The bomb, which was likely intended for Amiel’s father, exploded when Amiel opened it. The teenager was severely burned, and shrapnel impaled his arms, legs and torso.
The trial is scheduled to begin in several weeks.
Sources: VOM Contacts, Jerusalem Post, ynetnews.com
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
For your convenience, there is parking in the rear of the church – it’s even closer than you think!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
December
19 Aaron Cook
23 Garrett Anderson