Are you seeking for Jesus this Christmas? The wise men of the east, who were like pagan astrologers had only partial information about a Jewish Messiah, yet they set off on a journey of faith to find the Messiah, the king of the Jews – a journey which is estimated at 500-1000 miles. It may have taken them several months (perhaps even longer) to get to Bethlehem. That journey cost them time and money, and it cost them their precious gifts. We know these wise men only had partial knowledge about the Bible and the Jewish Messiah because otherwise, they would have known to look for the infant in Bethlehem, but they had faith and attempted to seek out the Christ child.
On the other hand, the religious community in Jerusalem – the people with a firm grasp of the Bible. They did all of the rituals and followed all of the commandments. Yet, when the wise men show up, Herod and these religious leaders, are stunned to find out the Messiah had been born. The Bible says they were “disturbed,” or “troubled” (Matthew 2:3) upon hearing the news. They had either not seen the star in the sky, or were unable to interpret its meaning. They had no clue their king had been born, and it took some pagan, Gentile, astrologers to tell them about the Messiah. You can imagine how that would have gone over.
Rather than being overjoyed at the news that the Messiah had come, they are worried, probably skeptical – and they do nothing about it. Why don’t they check it out? Why would God tell them about the Messiah and not the religious leaders – maybe because they were more concerned about laws and rituals than they were about a relationship with God.
We can go through all the motions of religion and still miss the point. God is seeking a relationship with us through his Son, Jesus the Messiah. And, he wants us to seek him. The wise men were rewarded for their journey of faith to meet Christ. So, are you seeking Him?
Worship
Pastor Glen’s message this Sunday, which is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, is entitled “The Visit,” based on Luke 1:39-45. Please read this text in preparation for worship. We look forward to our choir, Sound of Hope, sharing a larger part of the worship service! May God be pleased with our worship!!
Poinsettias
For anyone who purchased a poinsettia to beautify our sanctuary during this holy season, you may put your contribution of $7.00 in the offering box in the sanctuary. Please write your checks to Hope Community Church and note for poinsettia. You may take the poinsettias home after the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! Thanks so much!!
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 9: God Arrests Saul and Peter’s Miracle Ministry! Please bring your Bible.
Bible Reading Plans
If you are interested in reading the Bible in the New Year, I have attached a link to several Bible reading plans. This might be a great time to begin reading and studying God’s Word. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
Parking
Since our parking lot on Sundays is becoming fuller (which is a wonderful problem!!!), we encourage members and friends who can park in the lots to the west of the church facility. There is a path with pavers to walk around the building to the main entrance.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
November Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $18,153 YTD: $198,634.29
Expenses: Monthly: $5,947.24 YTD: $184,007.73
Capital Campaign: Monthly: $5,650.00 YTD: $49,035.07
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $100.00 YTD: $2,900.00
Are You Receiving Church Emails
If you or someone you know would like to receive periodic emails, including This Week @ Hope and the weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports, please provide your first and last name, as well as your email address. You may give this information to one of our elders: Albert Danraj, Marty Porter, Tim Stewart, or Bob Simmons. Thank you so much!
Golden Oldies
Please mark your calendar, as Golden Oldies will have a fun Bingo party on January 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon at Panera Bread in the Community Room. Each person is to bring a gift not over $10 value for prizes. Come join the fellowship!!
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m.!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Candi Brown shares her gratitude to all our folks who have donated various items to support families through Love INC! Beginning in October through December we will be collecting household cleaning products, including bathroom cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, sanitizing surface wipes, hand soap, and bar soap. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
The Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
December Birthdays
Terran Williams (12/25); Cliff Scott (12/28)