News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Dec. 5, 2024
Somerset Bible Chapel
Jamie Small led the announcements Sunday, Dec. 1. Matt Penner was usher. Kevin Friesen led the Prayer Focus. The music team was led by Emery and Katie DeRoo.
For the first Sunday of Advent, Kevin Friesen introduced the themes for the four Sundays before Christmas. Michelle Friesen did the reading from Isaiah 9:2-7 and a brief commentary on Hope while the first candle of the wreath was lit.
The music for the worship service included “You are God Alone” and “Jesus Messiah” both by Chris Tomlin; Traditional Advent hymns “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and, in closing, “Be Still and Know”.
The Communion service was led by Clayton Kimber. Exodus 12:1-11 gives the original instructions for the Passover ritual by the Israelite nation in Egypt. In Matthew 26:26-28 Jesus Institutes a new Celebration of Passover with his disciples, to commemorate His role as the perfect Lamb of God.
The sermon was given by Jamie Small to continue the Advent theme. Matt. 1:18-24 tells of one of the first announcements of Jesus’ birth. Verse 23 quotes from the prophet Isaiah. Jamie laid out the context of Isaiah’s proclamation to King Ahaz.
Coming to the throne at age 20 and ruling for 16 years, Ahaz did not obey or honor the Lord God. He engaged in idol worship including child sacrifices. In chapter 7, nearby kings prepare to bring war to Jerusalem. Isaiah tells Ahaz that there are bigger worries, that a larger enemy is about to appear. Is. 7:14 is quoted in Matthew, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel, (God is with us).
Isaiah chapters 8 and 9 give more detail including the Messianic prophecy of 9:6 which includes “For to us a son is born, to us a son is given, the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
A long wait ensued from Isaiah to Jesus (centuries). As Jesus left disciples to continue his ministry on earth he promised to never leave them without a comforter. (Matt. 28:18-20.)
The sermon closed with prayer. Psalm 46:9-11 introduced the closing song.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com.