MESSAGE. When Jesus came from heaven to earth in the form of a tiny, delicate baby, He fulfilled the promise of a savior. An atoning sacrifice to stand in our place; He who would forever change eternity. Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there – Jesus is coming again!
Psalm 98:4 declares, “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy…Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth (v.7-9).” Psalm 98 is the basis for the song Joy to the World. The songwriter Isaac Watts wanted to convey the true Christmas experience. Most people think of the song in terms of the birth of Christ. Notice though that as we sing the lyrics, never once do we sing about a baby, a manger, wise men, or a silent night. That’s because the true meaning of this famous song is about the second coming of Christ. And, nothing about the second half of the Christmas story will be silent! There will be shouts of joy, trumpets ringing, rivers clapping, and mountains singing! Everyone – everyone – will see and know that Christ is the final King.
MINISTRY. OAKS Christmas Program was a wonderful experience for the hundreds of OAKS students’ family members and friends who gathered at the CA auditorium last Monday night. I was absolutely impressed with the quality of their music. Their performance was outstanding. Thank you, OAKS students, staff, and teachers.
Newborn Bissell baby. Congratulations to Rebekah and Darin Bissell with the birth of their fourth baby! Jonah Lucas Bissell, born Friday 12-15-17 at 5:16 pm, 7 lb 8 oz. What a blessing!
PRAYERS. Please uplift in your prayers Janelle and Jason Smith. Janelle’s mother Cindy Cole fell asleep in the Lord last Sunday. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” 2 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Happy Sabbath. I plan on having a joyous worship experience with y’all tomorrow morning.
Merry Christmas.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 