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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-12-21, Page 37THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1994. PAGE 37. From the Minister’s Study John put the right spirit into celebrations By Rev. Cameron McMillan Brussels and Ethel United Churches When we have a Christmas party, we usually like to invite people whose company we enjoy. We invite people who are a lot of fun and will give everybody lots of laughs. Sometimes we feel we have to invite to our party a person whom we do not regard as a close friend. Perhaps they are a relative, the rude husband of our dearest sister. Or maybe it's the boss. We invite them, not because we like them, but because of their position in our family or society. John the Baptist is surely one of those unwelcome guests that gets invited into the Christmas story. He is there because he is part of Jesus' family, a cousin, not because we like him or want him there. John is no life of the party. While everyone else is in fancy party outfit, John appears wearing some cast-off rags from a rummage sale, a threadbare coat of camel's hair and a leather girdle. Offer him some fancy hors d'oeuvres, and he snaps back at you "No, I'm on a diet; locusts and wild honey is all I eat." He brings everyone a grim message about repentance. He tells everyone they must change their ways. We need to listen closely to John the Baptist's message. Despite his unusual appearance and gloomy remarks, he tells us something that we need to hear as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. "Bear fruits that show how you have repented and changed your ways," he says. It's not enough simply to say the right words. We must get our motives right, ensure that our good thoughts are followed up by proper actions. Don't just pul on a Christmas party, show genuine love and appreciation for all people that you are honouring at Christmastime. Give help to the poor and needy, John says. "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none. And whoever has food must do likewise." Be generous and kind, John says. Support especially those who are poor and weak. Be honest. Don't take more from others than you justly deserve. Listen to what John the Baptist says as you prepare to celebrate Christmas. He gives us several practical suggestions about how to put the right spirit into our Christmas celebrations. ‘you are. Welcome at the BLYTH CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for Children and Adults 11 -12:15 - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McConnell St., Blyth MELVILLE Poinsettias decorate church Poinsettias decorated the Blyth United Church on Dec. 18 for the fourth Sunday of Advent. The seasonal colour in purple. Greeters were Bill and Susan Howson. Ushers were Garth and Diane Walden and Faye Bolger. Shirley and Les Rutledge lit the fourth advent candle (Peace). / Am the Light of the World was sung in unison accompanied by Rev. Stephen Huntley on guitar. The hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel was sung followed by the Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon. The children came to the front and talked about Jesus' birthday. They hung a happy birthday banner up and next Sunday at 10 a.m. is a party for him. Barb Richmond had children's time. Psalm 40 was read followed by the Gloria Patri. The choral kids sang Ring Out Those Christmas Bells. Old Testament lesson Micah 5: 2-5 was read by Bev Snell. The gospel lesson was Luke 1: 39-55. The sermon was "Paths to Christmas. A Peaceful Path." Rev. Huntley said this peaceful path is the most difficult; not too find, but seldom trod. Everybody would like to walk the peaceful path. He asked, "how can there be peace on earth without goodwill?" He asked the congregation and choir to rise and either shake hands or embrace. Hymn Hark the Herald Angels Sing was sung followed by the offering. Minute for Missions was read by Debbie Hakkers followed by the Pastoral Prayer. O Little Town of Bethlehem was the closing hymn with the commis­ sioning and benediction. Christmas Eve family service is 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. Christmas service is 10 a.m. with communion. The Blyth United Church was filled on Sunday night Dec. 18 for the Blyth and district community Christmas service. Choirs from the Blyth United and Christian Reformed sang many anthems, which were enjoyed. Rev. Adrian Van Geest gave the sermon on "The Shepherd’s Honor". There were refreshments and fellowship in the lower auditorium. The offering will be presented to the Canadian Bible Society. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Tim Purvis, Interim Moderator 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School - Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. United Church Join together in the celebration of Christ's birth Christmas Eve Family Service 7:00 p.m. - Dec. 24 Christmas Day Service & Communion -10:00 a.m. - Dec. 25 Rev. Stephen Huntley Phone 523-4224 Merry Christmas 8l God bless you in 1995 Blyth Is Jesus left out, writer asks Continued from page 4 About the time that Mary's baby was due, Caesar Augustus, who ruled the land, issued a law that everyone should be taxed in his own city. Mary and Joseph had to make the long journey to Bethlehem since Joseph was a descendant of David. When they arrived, the small town was crowded and there was no place for Mary and Joseph to stay. At last, they were offered a stable by a kind innkeeper. That very night, in that stable, Mary gave birth to a son. She wrapped him in cloth and laid him in the manger. Could it be worse? God's Son born in a stable. It was all so simple, a baby just like any other baby. But they knew He was God's Son. It was dark in the stable, no angels, only a stable and a manger. This is the Christmas gift we receive from God, for He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for our sin. It was not all dark that night! Near Bethlehem were shepherds watching their flocks. Angels appeared before them. The shepherds were afraid, but the angels said, "Fear not, I bring you good tidings. The Saviour is bom in Bethlehem. You will find Him in a stable in a manger." The sky was filled with angels singing, "Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men.” The shepherds decided to go and find this baby, and worship him. The poor shepherds were the first to worship the Son of God. Mary did not understand all these things, but trusted in God. This is the Christmas story as wc hear it every year. Do wc celebrate Christmas this year? What do wc do with the baby in the manger? Is Jesus the main reason to celebrate Christmas or are we too busy with shopping, dinner and parties? We are excited about the season, but do we leave Jesus out of our conversation? Let's go with the shepherds and worship the baby, our Lord and Saviour. If we will celebrate Christmas, with our hearts full of love for Him, who gave himself for us, then we'll have a blessed Christmas. When God calls, "Where are you?" as he called Adam so long ago, can we put our faces upward and answer, Lord here I am. Then we will go the long and painful road with Jesus, who carried our sin to the cross at Calvary. And then we can sing: Good Christian friends rejoice, With heart and soul and voice, Jesus Christ, was bom to save. Calls you one and calls you all, To gain His everlasting hall Christ was bom to save, Christ was bom to save. Mrs. Femmy Van Amersfoort. . BLYTH CHRISTIAN A REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH-523-9233 Sunday 10:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Rev. Adrian A. Van Geest The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:30 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. All Visitors Welcome Wheelchair accessible THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA December 24 January 1 Trinity, Blyth 9:30 a.m. - Trinity, Blyth - 8 p.m. - St. John's, Brussels -11 p.m. - Rev. Aubrey Bell - Christmas 1 - Morning Prayer BCP - Ms. Nancy Northgrave St. John's, Brussels 11:15a.m. MENNO NITE FELLOWSHIP Saturday, December 24 Sunday, December 25 Saturday, December 31 Sunday, January 1 Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m. "Christmas Day Service" 10:30 a.m. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL New Year's Eve Skating at Arena from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Followed by entertainment, games, food and celebrating at the church. All Welcome! "New Year's Day Service" 10:30 a.m. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL Pastor Tom Warner / 887-6388 ‘Everyone Welcome HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 Saturday, Dec. 24 - 7:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service Sunday, Dec. 25 -10:30 a.m. - Christmas Service (no evening service) Sunday, Jan. 1 Wednesday Friday -10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour -11 a.m. - Morning Worship - 8 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study - 7:30 p.m. - Youth - Paster Bob Lewis, 526-7441 BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 7:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Manse 887-9313 - Christmas Eve Family Service Saturday, December 24th Special Music and Drama "What kind of Saviour will He be?" - Christmas Day Family Service Sunday, December 25th Ethel Family Service Sunday, December 25th "O Come All Ye Faithful" Christmas greetings To All 11:00 a.m. - Brussels' New Year's Day Family Service Sunday, January 1st "The Path Ahead" 9:30 a.m. - Ethel Family Service "Ring Out The Old. Ring In The New" A Welcome To A ll