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FAMILY NEWSSCHEDULE FOR END OF DECEMBER: This is an unusual year end because both Christmas and New Years are on a Monday. Here is what we have planned for this period to allow family activities and travel: December 20: 6:00 P.M.-6:30: Sandwiches and soup; 6:30 to 7:00 devotional; 7:00 for as long as you want to stay, Christmas party and cookie contest including gift exchange for those who elected to do it.
December 24: 10:00 A.M. class, our 11:00 worship. No class or worship in the evening.
December 27: 7:00 P.M. class on Hebrews.
December 31: 10:00 A.M. class, our 11:00 worship, and at 5:00 P.M. a potluck meal followed by year-end party with games and time together. Leave whenever you want.
January 3: Normal class on Hebrews
January 7: Normal class and worship followed by potluck and visit to Timbers. Evening class at 6:00 P.M. resumes.
WEATHER ISSUES: If the weather is dangerous due to snow and ice or lack of plowing in the parking lot, and you regularly attend you will be called. If you do not normally attend and have doubts, call the Gibsons at 269-782-4564 or John Clayton at 269-687-9426. TODAY'S LESSON
INTRODUCTION
A. The songs sung at Christmas are a strange lot.
I. “HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING” — #202 in our songbook
1. Some are funny spoofs.
B. Many reflect the biblical ignorance of our culture.2. Some are the work of classical artists. 3. Many are traditional songs in popular music. C. Some have an interesting message. D. Our songbook has some interesting examples. A. “Herald” — A crier — one who gives news.
II. SONGS CAN BE STEEPED IN HUMAN TRADITION.
B. “Incarnate” (verse 2) means embodied in flesh. John 1:14 — What Jesus actually was.
C. “Healing in His wings” (verse 3).
1. “Wing” is from eber meaning strength.
2. See Isaiah 40:31 — The risen Christ with strength to bring light and life to us all. A. “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” — #338 in our songbook
III. SOME SONGS JUST REJOICE AT GOD'S ACTIONS.
B. Angels do not need “golden harps” (verse 1). C. Angels do not normally have wings (verse 2). D. “Babel” is a city in the plain of Shinar. 1. Genesis 10:10; 11:9
2. The tower of Babel was located here where God confused the languages of mankind. A. “Joy to the world” — #376 in our songbook
IV. SOME SONGS HAVE ADDED THINGS.
The “curse” in verse 3 is arat — Genesis 3:17-19.
B. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” — #464 in our songbook C. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” — #490 in our songbook A. “Silent Night, Holy Night” — #577 in our songbook
V. CHRISTMAS IS NOT A DECLARATION OF FAITH — #679 in our songbook 1. The shepherds in Luke 2:9 were frightened.
B. The beauty of the song makes it a classic.2. This was not in December. 3. The star was not celestial — likely shechaniah. THE BACK PAGEA CHRISTMAS POEM FOR YOUThe following poem was written by Don Betts who is involved in helping us in our Does God Exist? ministry. I thought some of you might enjoy it even if some of it reflects some traditions we may not share in.
As you watch all the seasonal activity going on, focus on the good things that are done and not the negatives that we can always find if we look far enough. Our sign by the street! Sign saying from www.sayingsforchurchsigns.com. Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website. www.dowagiaccoc.org |
