Weekly Update | December 21, 2023
Preparation for Christmas
Dmitriy Zherebnenkov
We prepare for special occasions in life. The more special the occasion, the more time and energy we put into preparing for it. It’s interesting that the process of preparation ultimately helps us better enjoy the event when it does happen. And this process of preparation finds its place also in the history of Christmas!
“…to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Luke 1:17)
This is a prophetic utterance explaining what John the Baptist was going to do even before he was born. These words were spoken to Zechariah and Elizabeth to prepare them for the birth of their son. When the angel appeared to Mary, he also explained the birth of the Messiah in order to prepare her.
Then when the angel appeared to the shepherds, he prepared them for the good news saying, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) This is not the news, but rather the preparation for the actual news. The good news is actually this, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (v. 11). And this proclamation is not even the angel’s end goal! The shepherds were to go and see the source of glory, the Savior Himself! The angel prepared the shepherds to see the born Messiah.
Eight days later, baby Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord, and there was an interesting encounter with the elder Simeon who was promised that he wouldn’t see death until he sees the Messiah. God also prepared him for this.
In all these situations, the preparation had an important goal. All of these people, having been prepared by God, praise the Savior! Worship is directly related to preparation! May we all this season dedicate some time to prepare for Christmas, that when the day comes, we would truly rejoice and praise God for such a wonderful gift in Jesus Christ!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine: https://gfchurch.com/ukraine/
The Scripture memory text
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
Isaiah 40:28-31
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Upcoming events:
| Youth caroling to our church members | December 24th (evening) |
| New Year’s Eve Service | December 31st (7:00 PM) |
| Prayer week | January 1-6 |
| All church staff prayer meeting | January 20st (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) |
| Membership meeting | January 21st (6:00 PM |
Below are the services and meetings for this weekend:
- Friday (6:30 PM) – Christmas service with children participating
- Sunday services:
- Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
- Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM