I. THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS
How many people believe in the reality of the biblical account of Christmas? Many people are missing the true power of the biblical Christmas message
the story of God’s love, redemption, hope, eternal life
God doing the impossible
an event satan tried to prevent
Things we see in the biblical Christmas message should be a part of daily Christian living.
II. THE LIGHT OF THE CHRISTIAN - THE STAR - Matt 2:1-2, 9
A. Many ideas as to what the star was - alignment of planets, super-nova, comet, an angel, supernatural act of God
B. The star was the light of God leading the wise men to the savior
the star moved through the heavens
the star led the wise men to Jesus
Mat 2:9
C. The star represents the light of God in the Christian leading people to Christ
Mat 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
III. THE WORSHIP OF THE CHRISTIAN-THE WISE MEN -Matt 2:2, 9-10
A. The wise men came to worship the King and present gifts
B. God calls us to live a life of worship
C. God calls us to present our life as a gift to God
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
IV. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN-THE ANGELS-Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
A. The angels appeared to shepherds and proclaimed the first gospel message B. God has called the Christian to share and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. We are His messengers C. God has called the Christian to praise, worship and glorify God on earth
V. THE OBEDIENT LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN-THE SHEPHERDS - Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
A. The shepherds -
immediately obeyed the voice of God’s messengers
told everyone they met about what they had seen and heard
went their way rejoicing
B. The Christian life is -
one of obedience to the Word and Will of God
one of sharing what we have seen, heard and experienced
one of rejoicing as we continue our journey
VI. THE EXPECTATION OF THE CHRISTIAN - SIMEON - Luke 2:25-30
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, A. Facts about Simeon
just, devout
had the presence of the Holy Spirit
had the leading of the Holy Spirit
had discernment by the Holy Spirit
anticipated and expected to see the Messiah
B. Simeon wasn’t disappointed with seeing a baby rather than seeing a king C. We see the character and nature with which we must live
holy, committed, discerning, anticipating
D. We live in anticipation of the return of Christ but will not be disappointed if we go by way of the grave.
either way there is a longing to see the Lord
Though we have lost some of our Holy Light Family this year, God is still in the blessing business.
To all the Holy Light Church Family have a blessed and merry Holiday Season and let’s keep pressing toward the mark in 2015.
Rev. WHD (Bill) III and family.
BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER SERVICE
Tuesday Nights 7 pm
We are continuing our study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Associate Pastor Dandridge is teaching and are currently in Chapter 11 in our study of the Trumpet Judgments. Class handouts are available for the study. Classes will resume Tuesday January 6th after the Christmas break.
II Timothy 2:15 -Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth
MINISTERIAL STAFF UPDATE
I was pleased to announce at our past first Sunday services that Deacon Kevin Sanders has been called to the ministry. Please keep him and his family in your prayers as he takes this next step in his christian journey.
1 Corinthians 2:13 - Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
EVENTS & SERVICES
January 14th (Wed):
Church Business Meeting (7 pm)
Church budget is presented for approval and review of the church financial report for 2014. This is open to all Holy Light members.
January 18th (Sun):
Church Fellowship at the play Wicked at the Pantages in Hollywood (6:30 PM)
All tickets have been sold for this fellowship event. We are looking forward to this outing and will be planning more church fellowships in 2015.
January 25th (Sun):
Fellowship with Greater Holy St. John (3:30 pm)
5536 Morgan Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90011
Janurary 31st (Sat):
7th Annual Block Party at Holy Light (9 am - 4 pm)
This is annual outreach event to the community. Please see Sister Stephanie Hicks or Sis. Klotonya Hamilton to volunteer for this event. We will have the Mammogram truck along with Prostate Testing for the men and HIV testing for all.
March 11-16th:
Trip to Trenton/Shiloh Baptist for Pastor Armstrong's 15th Anniversary
Currently the lowest RT non-stop flight is from LAX to Newark, New Jersey ($400.20). I will update when the prices go down. This year we are planning a trip to Washington DC as part of the trip. Our usual is a red eye flight Wednesday evening and an afternoon flight back Monday. Stay in touch for more details!
June 7th (Sun):
Motown at the Pantages - Fellowship Event (6:30 pm)
If you missed this event we will be having another fellowship outing to go see the play Motown at the Pantages on Sunday June 7th, 2015. Tickets are $45.00 (rear orchestra section) each for adults and $20.00 for youth. Please let Associate Pastor Dandridge know if you are interested. Tickets are on a first bought first get basis.
