McPhail Weblog Dec 12 2021

 

McPhail Baptist Church

The Annunciation to the Shepherds. 1410

 

Prelude: “In The Bleak Midwinter”

Carol: “Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come”

A Prayer of Confession 

Dear God, as followers of Jesus Christ your Son, we realize that we are always on a journey. We also realize that on this journey we call faith, there is no time when we can afford to stop growing in love, in strength, and in the knowledge of our Saviour and Lord. And so, this morning we have come to worship and to confess those places in which we still need to grow. Help us to let go of those things that keep Christ from coming to us. Remove from our lives, dear Lord, anything that would keep us from getting a close-up look at love, knowing that at this time of year your love in Christ has come close to us. Thank You for coming near. Amen.

The Scriptures

Matthew 18:1-4, 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Hebrews 13:1-2  

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Special Music: “If I Can Help Somebody”  

Dedicated to the memory of Steve Sparks who was always helping somebody. 

Carol: “Angels We Have Heard On High”

Sermon: “Entertaining Angels” 

Rev. Ernie Cox

Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Benediction

Postlude: “Variations sur In Dulci Jublio”