::truth::
Prophet, Priest, and King
The grand miracle of all time is celebrated at Christmas – the miracle of the incarnation: Very God and very man coming together in the person of Jesus. The intersection of all the hopes and fears of mankind are met in Christ….
And Christ brings together all the “offices” that were familiar to the people of God in the Hebrew scriptures. The major offices of the Old Testament were Prophet, Priest, and King. The inaugural ceremony for each involved anointing with oil. The Greek word for “anointed one” is “Christos”, were we get the title “Christ”. So when we say “Christ”, we are saying Jesus is our prophet, priest, and king!
Not to wax too theological, it is still very important to reflect on these offices. Â Let’s consider Christ as our priest.
As our “High Priest”, Jesus is the one who offered the perfect sacrifice for sins. He continually brings us close to God. And he continually offers prayers on our behalf.
Stop there. Think about that. What is Jesus doing right now? If you are a follower of Jesus, you know what he is doing. He is praying for you! He knows you deepest needs, even better than you do! And he is sharing those needs with his Father, who delights in answering the prayers of his beloved Son!
So, how secure should that make you feel? As the theologian Louis Berkof said:
“It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life; that He is presenting to the Father those spiritual needs which were not present to our minds and which we often neglect to include in our prayers; and that He prays for our protection against the dangers of which we are not even conscious, and against the enemies which threaten us, though we do not notice it. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end.”
The warm feelings of Christmas don’t come from traditions, decorations, sentimentalism, or eggnog (well, not the right kind of warm feelings anyway!). The security of the season is knowing that your high priest is pleading your cause before the listing ears of his Father! Reflect on that this week and respond in amazement and awe! As we sing in the famous carol…
“Good Christian fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading”
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
::prayer::
Deborah T: Thanks for praying in times of trouble. Pray for Jim as he grieves the loss of his mother. Pray that many people will taste, like and buy (order) the Bible bread.
Maurice B.: Pray for a Christmas witness to people on our street.
Susan F.: Please pray for help with a difficult decision – that I will know God’s direction. Praise for the foster families that generously give of themselves and their homes for needy children.
Jim P.: Wisdom, peace and direction for Lindsey’s future in the Lord’s service.
Tricia P.: Pray for my friend Chris whose cancer has spread to her brain. Pray for peace, healing and trust for her and her family.
Nancy W.: Pray for the outreach of our church during this Christmas season – that we would be able to bless many. Jonathan will be moving to an apartment near campus in January where he’ll be placed with 3 other guys. Pray for God’s perfect plan.
Check out some service opportunities at The Church of West Orange website. The Church of West Orange is a coalition of churches in our area seeking to be “The Church” to our community! Good stuff.
Check the church “directory” on our website so you can follow-up you prayers with a call or email! (http://swchurchonline.org)
::community::
Poinsettias: Tis the season to sponsor a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Just click here to send your reservation. Cost: $8.00. Any funds received over our costs will go to helping those in need!
Light-Up Winter Garden: Join our community this Friday night for an evening of “Lessons and Carols” to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Invite a friend to join you at 6PM in downtown Winter Garden. Click for more info.
Coming Up:
- Christmas Brunch: Sunday, December 20th 9:30-10:15 am see sign-up list.
- Ladies Christmas Dinner and Ornament Exchange: Monday, December 21st 6:30 pm at Nancy Welch’s.
- Potluck Luncheon for Bruce & Betsy Warren: Sunday, December 27th 1:00-3:00 pm at the Welch’s home.
- New Year’s Eve Potluck & White elephant Gift Exchange: Thursday, December 31st 6:30-9:00pm at the Welch’s home.
Opportunities to be Jesus to our community:
- December 6th – Toy Sunday – to provide toys for Project Angel Tree for Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Just pick an “angel” off the tree at the Y.
- December 13th – Sock Sunday – to provide socks for those who need them. Bring a new package of socks to church!
- December 20th – Undie Sunday – to provide underwear for those who need it. Ditto above!
- December 27th – Car for the Kongs Sunday – Final Sunday for special offering to support Joe and Kay Kong in Cambodia
We are glad you were born!
- John Kelly – Â December 11
Sunday Servants!
- Set-up: Jim Phillips
- Nursery: Deb Thompson
- Snacks: Patti Tindall
- Prayer: Sue McCoy
::mission::
Outreach Idea of the Week: Serve through the Season: Light Up Winter Garden is postponed till this Friday night, December 11th. It is a great opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to join you for a public service of lessons and carols. And hopefully good conversation to follow!
Stan & Beth Doerr (ECHO) – Pray for the annual conference from December 9-11, pray that God’s plan will be evident in the decisions that will be made for the ministry and in any changes that may be forthcoming.
Operation Christmas Child – Pray for those working at the distribution centers as they prepare the shoeboxes for shipment to over 66 countries. Pray for the child that will be receiving your box.
