" Voices of the 1st Worshippers! "

The Holy Season Theme is: " Advent Voices! "

Advent Thoughts From Pastor's Study:
As we ponder the Scriptures and hear the voice of Gabriel bring the supernatural messages to Joseph and Mary, one might wonder about all the things that will transpire as this Great Mystery unfolds.  Once again we hear the Voice of the Old Testament Prophet Micah [5:2] -- " Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."  Let us draw near to a quiet night where shepherds are watching their flocks out on the hills of Bethlehem.  It is a quiet and serene evening; the stars are brightly shining as the Shepherds lazily keep their eyes on the flock.  In the midst of this star filled moment, " the Angel of the Lord appears " ... and very important, " the Glory of the Lord shines upon them! "  Hmmm, I wonder what our reaction would be if such a supernatural being appeared unto us?  Can you feel the fright of that moment?  God is so gracious toward mankind, it is in being crowned with His lovingkindness that He redeems our lives form destruction and covers us with His tender mercies [Ps. 103:4].  So it was at this moment, in the midst of the presence of God's Glory that the voice of the Angel declares: "Fear Not!" and the message of all eternity is delivered!  Luke 2:10-14 -- " Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  The mystery is revealed with signs!  " This shall be a sign unto you!  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, good will toward men."  O Church, hear the Word of the Lord!  Ephesians 2:14 -- "He is our Peace!"  As the shepherds received the message of Peace on earth.... they hasten to obey and go quickly to this glorious thing that had come to pass.  And when they returned to their flock, we hear their voices--the voices of those who were blessed to visit the Christ Child first ~ "The shepherds returned, Glorifying and Praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen..."  Let us exalt the Christ!
                                             Loving you, Pastor