Prepare the way: Kenosis. LUKE 3:1-6 “Living in the Edge”

It is important to understand the context of scripture when we seek to understand it in our time and place. From what you know of this political and religious roster, what does it tell you about the time and place into which Jesus was born?

The Greek word kenosis means self-emptying, being poured out.  It is the pattern of Christ’s own ministry, as expressed in Philippians 2:5-7a Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself…

Reflection: I am aware of one quality in particular necessary for cross-cultural ministry: the ability to undergo a self-emptying of one’s own cultural presuppositions, one’s own [quick] judgements, one’s own power. In Biblical terms this is kenosis, the pattern of Christ’s own ministry (Philippians 2:1-11)…there is…willingness and ability to listen and learn and ultimately, an ability to affirm people very different from oneself…The self-emptying makes possible new patterns of friendship and ministry, community, worship, and theology.

The Right Reverend Terry Brown

Prayer: God of timeless grace, You fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the coming of your Christ.  Who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever.  Amen

Notices

2018 Tax Receipts: Donations & Offerings that you want to be included in your 2017 tax receipts must be in the offering plate by Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2018 to count as a 2017 donation. Thank you so much for your Stewardship of Treasure. Blessings!

Church Decorations: We Have started decorating our church sancturary for the Christmas season.  If you wish to help out, please phone the office and we will have something for you to do

Church Clean-up You may have noticed that we have a lot of dry leaves within the church property.  We would appreciate it so much if you could offer some of your times to help with the clean-up.  Talk to Andy or Clark on how you could be of help.

Sunday, Dec. 30th: There will be two Church Services this Sunday, 8:30 and 10:00am