Christmas Eve service

We had a few questions earlier in the week as to if we were having a Christmas Eve service, which we were not. Of course, the more I thought about it, and the more people asked, we decided it would be a great idea. We had 26 in attendance tonight, of which 10 were first time visitors. Most of them we met while doing our Bible study and singing Christmas carols out on the chapel steps.

It was wonderful to sing songs about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago. This story may be ancient, but it lives on today and so does the Lord Jesus! We talked about why Jesus had to come, all the way back to the garden of Eden and the introduction of sin into this world. What a gracious and merciful God who would send His only begotten Son into this world to die and thus pay sin's penalty once and for all.

A brother gave testimony also of the pain associated with Jesus' birth and life, and ultimately His death. Mary's pain in child birth, the pain of so many families whose children were murdered in Herod's attempt to kill the King of the Jews. He spoke of the pain of Jesus Himself as he was rejected by His own created children, of the painful death of the crucifixion. Surely this time of year reminds us not just of the birth of Christ, but also reminds us of His life and death, and His resurrection from the grave which gives hope of eternal life for those who will repent and trust in Christ by faith.

So, we had a great time, and look forward to continuing the relationship we have started in this community. Even the visitors remarked of the genuine love of Christ shown by the local saints. We felt a great spirit of confirmation that the Lord is going to do a great work here, and we are humbled yet again to have a part in it, by God's grace. We hope you have a great Christmas, and that Christ is the celebration of every day of every year of our lives, and that the story and  the salvation of Jesus Christ is proclaimed throughout the earth. We look forward to the day when Christ will come with power and glory, as the King of Kings. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Mark for the saints at the chapel