Dear Christian Friends,
FOUR POINTS TO PONDER BEFORE CHRISTMAS
SECOND ADVENT POINT: US
Last week, we highlighted in the first advent point to ponder, that God has three key characteristics: He is loving, holy and just. We also heard about our duty to God and to our neighbors. This week our message will focus on "US", the second point to ponder.
It is important to remember, that when God first created us, He made us good, without sin. You will recall that sin is the seeking of our own will, instead of the will of God. This distorts our relationship with God and with other people. Thus we abuse our freedom, rebel against Him and become evil.
God, the perfect judge, has to dispense justice to everyone fairly. Because we have all sinned of our own free will and broken our relationship with God, He will judge us according to our choice. This means eternal death, which is the separation from God in a place called hell! We are helpless to initiate any action by ourselves that can change our situation.
So what does our loving and holy God do for us sinners? God shows us that his redemption is the act which sets us free from the power of evil and sin, while revealing to us our need for redemption. Our greatest need is for forgiveness. Just as someone who has cancer needs a doctor whether they realize it or not, so we need forgiveness whether we realize it or not.
Today a large majority of Christians believe in God, but do not understand the need for forgiveness and redemption of their sins. These Christians are generally referred to as "nominal" Christians. They do not realize that if one does not seek forgiveness, one cannot have a relationship with God.
Speaking for myself, I was a "nominal" Christian, until I did the Alpha Course and understood that God rewards us by being a living presence in our lives on earth and giving us eternal life, because we have walked in his ways and kept his covenants. What about you?
Next week, we will discuss the third advent point to ponder: JESUS.
THIS SUNDAY AT TEN IN ENGLISH
Morning Prayer with the Blessing of Health.
Preacher: Hamish Ramsay. Officiant: Michael Moran.
Readers: Paul McMahon and Dan Anderson.
Every Sunday we have Sunday School during the school year.
Every Sunday is Kilo Sunday.
Saturday, 15th December:
Choir of King's College Cambridge, at 15:00
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Last tickets with Ana Paula Quintão (5686.2180)
Christingle Service, at 19:30
16th December: Holy Communion with Bishop Roger Bird
Officiant: Mario La Gatto.
CHOIR OF KING'S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE
Internationally recognized as the pre-eminent representative of the great British church music tradition, the Choir of King´s College, Cambridge, owes its existence to King Henry VI. In 1441 he founded the College and envisaged the daily singing of services in his magnificent chapel, regarded as one of the jewels of Britain's cultural and architectural heritage. This remains the choir´s raison d´être, and is an important part of the lives of its 16 choristers, who are educated on generous scholarships at the College School, and the 14 choral scholars and two organ scholars, who study a variety of subjects in the College itself. Today´s choir derives its worldwide fame and reputation from the annual broadcast of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which is heard on radio by millions all over the world, together with a television version of the service; from its many recordings and from its international touring program.