This coming Sunday our Advent series of messages on ‘The Hymns of Christmas’ will continue as we examine the words of the apostle Paul found in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
This one verse serves as the Biblical text for the beautiful hymn entitled ‘Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor’ (#230 in the Trinity Hymnal). The hymn’s first line sets forth the true miracle of Christmas Day:
“Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becomes poor.”
When Paul penned his second letter to the Christians in ancient Corinth, it was the miracle of the incarnation of our Lord that dominated his thoughts as he exhorted his fellow-believers to love one another by means of their lavish generosity. The inspired words of verse 9 overwhelm any and all who prayerfully reflect upon their depth and meaning:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).
As we gather before our Lord this Sunday, we will plunge ourselves into this great mystery–that the Lord of Glory impoverished Himself that we might inherit all of the vast riches of heaven!
I love you all so very much,
Mike
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Eve Service – Please make plans to join us for our Christmas Eve service at 5pm.
No Sunday School – December 22 & 29
Care Center Pantry Collection – This Sunday is the last Sunday to donate to our local food bank. Bins are located in the narthex with recommended donations. You may also drop off your donations at the church any morning thru this Friday the 20th.
Children’s Ministry – RSVP for Christmas caroling on December 18th. Please see email or Anne Swanner for details.
Women’s Ministry
• Ladies’ Bible Studies will resume in January.
• Women’s next monthly luncheon is Thursday, January 2nd at 11:00 at Timbers Edge Clubhouse.
• Senior Sisters next monthly meeting is Thursday, January 16th from 10-11:30am.
• Senior Sisters weekly exercise class meets Tuesdays at the church, 10:00 to 11:30am.
Men’s Ministry
• Men’s Devotion/Prayer meets Tuesdays at 6:30am at the office of Paul Matheny. Please contact Adam Turnbull with questions.
• Senior Fellows – Next breakfast will be at 9:00am on Tuesday, January 7th.
Youth Ministry
• Youth Christmas party this Sunday (food and games) from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Turnbull’s house.
• The annual Providence Presbytery youth Roots retreat will be on January 24th – 26th at CampToKnowHim. Please contact Gannon Miles for details and registration.
Career Ministry – No meetings December 15, 22 & 29. Regular Bible study/fellowship will resume January 12, 2025 at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry.
See christpreshamptoncove.org for detailed news and upcoming events.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Care and Healing – Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Collins Bailey, Maurice Belrose, Bill Cowley, Amy Fortenberry, Ken Galecki (brother of Leon Galecki), Sonny Henry, Elizabeth Holton, Ned Nuwayhid, Joe Sims, and Steve Terry
Expecting – Please pray for the Bucks and Butlers due in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries:
• Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland)
• Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand)
• Noah and Karleigh Stephens (Thailand)
• Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH)
• Marcus and Jessica Nobles (RUF at Alabama A&M)
• Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA)
• Franky and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada)
• Dieter and Marty Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL)
• The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center
• Adam & Lisa Venable (Southside Presbyterian Church)