The Unfolding Word of God

‘The Word of God has been gradually unfolded all through the Old Testament, throughout the New Testament and ever since.’

The coming birth and ministry of Jesus was foretold mainly by Isaiah in the Old Testament.
He prophesied hundreds of years before Jesus, our Messiah (anointed one) came to earth.
We who are part of the present, and the future,
can see that many of the promises which God gave through Isaiah have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah is considered the greatest Old Testament prophet.
His prophecies are quoted at least fifty times in the New Testament.

God told Isaiah that the people would not listen,
but he was to speak and write his messages anyway because eventually some would listen.
He had powerful messages of both judgement and hope,
and his ministry spanned the reigns of five kings of Judah.

And there shall come forth out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots; and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Isaiah 11: 1–3 NIV®

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.

Isaiah 7: 14 NIV®

In Matthew1: 20–23 Joseph is being enlightened by God

…behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying; behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1: 20–23

The second Advent candle was lit in church last Sunday signifying that the coming of Jesus is drawing nigh. The true light, which gives light to every man who comes into the world. (John 1: 19)
‘The Beauty of Christ’s life radiates as the only brightness in this dark world.’
‘Those who saw Him “beheld His glory.” Those who heard Him said, “No one ever spoke like this Man!” Those healed by Him said, “He has done all things well.” But not everyone rejoiced…‘.

Let us pray:
Almighty God, here we are trying to cope with life in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
This has been an extremely draining year: mentally, emotionally and physically.
Tragically, thousands of people are mourning the loss of loved ones;
mourning because of social isolation and mental challenges;
mourning because of the loss of employment, housing, basic food supplies;
and mourning because of the unpredictability of life.

Loving God, help us to have faith and hope that in the same way that you liberated the Israelites,
you will rescue, restore and heal us.
Father, we thank you that through your wisdom,
scientists have produced vaccines which will protect us from the virus.
We ask your blessings on all who are engaged nationally and internationally
in this critical scientific research for the benefit of mankind.
This is truly light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.
You are our God, the God who heals and restores.

Amen

Church family, how are we preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus
during this Advent and Christmas season?
There are many challenges, not least the washing of hands,
wearing of masks and social distancing which must continue in the interest of all.
This means that with respect to social distancing,
in our church only a few choir members are allowed to sing; and no congregational singing.
In his book entitled Wake up to Advent (2019) John Sentamu said about singing,

There have been scientific studies showing how singing can improve your health and well-being. One study I was reading recently lists a number of the physiological and emotional benefits: it boosts your immune system; improves your strength and breathing capacity; improves your posture; helps with sleep; acts as an anti-depressant; lowers stress levels; and improves mental alertness. Singing with others widens your circle of friends; boosts your confidence; stimulates your brain; improves your communication skills and helps you appreciate other singers. All in all, 12 improvements in your life and health.

Let us bring more light and life into our lives through singing where it is legal, at home, in parks etc.
Our Christmas Carol Service will be held on Sunday, 20 December 2020 at 6.00 pm
on Living Stones WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and the Cornerstone website.
You may know of other Carol services, Christmas recitals and musical events
which will be held in celebration of the season.
Every weekday 1.00–1.45p.m. Pam Rhodes hosts a Sing-along on Premier Christian Radio.
Also, if you haven’t done so as yet, take out and dust off the Christmas CDs and DVDs and sing along.
It’s very uplifting!
You don’t have to be an Aled Jones or Katherine Jenkins – just sing to your heart’s content.
God willing, next year our Easter and Christmas Services will be held
with full choir and congregational singing.
In the meantime, let us praise and sing to the Glory of God.
May the Almighty keep and bless you throughout this season.

Glynne Gordon-Carter