Third Sunday in Advent: JOY!

Bring a torch! Un flambeau!
Christ is born! Tell the folk of the village. C’est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau.

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Summary of the Most Common Fears (from SelfHelpCollective.com)

  1. Fear of flying
  2. Fear of public speaking
  3. Fear of heights
  4. Fear of the dark
  5. Fear of intimacy
  6. Fear of death, dying
  7. Fear of failure
  8. Fear of rejection
  9. Fear of spiders
  10. Fear of commitment
  11. Fear of flowers
  12. Fear of driving
  13. Fear of dogs
  14. Fear of dentists
  15. Fear of snakes
  16. Fear of needles
  17. Fear of being alone
  18. Fear of water
  19. Fear of god
  20. Fear of abandonment
  21. Fear of long words
  22. Fear of clowns
  23. Fear of falling
  24. Fear of change
  25. Fear of germs
  26. Fear of music
  27. Fear of doctors
  28. Fear of crowds
  29. Fear of being touched
  30. Fear of open spaces
  31. Fear of engulfment
  32. Fear of girls
  33. Fear of thunder

This is a rather comprehensive list, is it not?  I can “understand” all except one; see if you can guess which one strikes zero fear in my heart.  This list doesn’t include “heavenly hosts, appearing out of nowhere, singing loudly and shining a bright light.”

The Christmas story pumps life and faith and hope and love and JOY! into our needy souls in many ways. One of the most significant is that receiving and believing this story in all its promise and richness has the potential to alleviate, even destroy, the fears which so easily beset us. The Lord understands our fears: notice that the key witnesses to Christ’s birth were “prepared” by the angels of the Lord with these calming words:

  • To Joseph in Matthew 1 – “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife…”
  • To Mary in Luke 1 – “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
  • To the shepherds in Luke 2 – “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…”

News & Announcements:

  • Prayer gathering this Wednesday@ church @ 7:00.
  • Advocate Bromenn Partners in Prayer Dec. – Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) Located on 5 West, this 56-bed unit serves cardiac and pulmonary patients. It is the post Critical Care Unit, particularly for post cardiac surgery patients.
  • Attention Jr. High youth and their parents!  We have spots reserved for you and your friends at the Jan. 20-22 ICE CAMP Weekend Retreat at Miracle Camp.  We would love for any Jr. high students and their friends to join us!  More details coming soon!  Email Cary with questions.
  • Be blessed in serving dinner @ Home Sweet Home Mission on December 22. We have been asked to provide eight servers as HSHM provides a Christmas dinner to their clients. Ask Cary for details.
  • Summer in the USA! Lord-willing, we will once again host Basque students next summer. It’s time to start planning and praying, praying and planning. If you want to play a part, please let Bob V. know.
  • Christmas Eve Service @ 5:30You. Pursued. By God.(a service of and for the entire family)

 

Posted by on Dec 10, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

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