We had our first Advent service Wednesday morning in the historic building. Through various Scriptures, readings, songs and prayers Scott Limkeman pointed us towards the Savior who has come and will come again. The Advent service started at 6:30am. By the end of the service the rising sun was radiating through the front windows of the historic church building. If you are an early riser come and join us throughout the different weeks of Advent. This Sunday the kids from Scott Valley Christian Academy will perform their Christmas production. They always do a terrific job so come out and support the kids. The Nuns will come to SVBC on 12/21 at 7pm for their annual Christmas concert.
I always enjoy reading the account of the wise men in Matthew 2. The theme of worship is central to these verses. Herod lied about his desire to worship Jesus. His intentions were malicious. The wise men were sincere in their desire for a face to face encounter with Jesus. If the Bible is correct, and it is, regarding the description of the Person and Work of Jesus then the wise men’s desire to worship is the only fitting response. Jesus in His resurrected Body is sitting in heaven at the right hand of the Father. I find John’s response to Jesus stirring in Revelation 1:
“The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Rev.1:14-18) When Thomas encountered the risen Jesus Christ he said, “my Lord and my God”. (John 20:24-29) Truly, Jesus is worthy of our worship and adoration. We live in a noisy, chaotic and distracted world. We have a difficult time focusing on Jesus for any length of time. Our minds are unruly and preoccupied. We need to learn through intentional practice how to pray and worship our Lord and Savior King Jesus. The Psalmist said this is the 46th chapter of the Psalter.
“God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble” v.1
“we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” v.2
“He says, “Be still and know that I am God” v.10
“The Lord Almighty is with us” v.11
Our God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus “the eternal Word made flesh” (John 1:14) “revealed” the Father in his eternal and divine Person-hood. The Holy Spirit convicts us, comforts us, inhabits our very person and enables us to worship. We are created to worship and there’s no better time to start than Christmas.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
