McPhail Weblog Dec 26 2021

McPhail Baptist Church

The Mystical Nativity by Sandro Botticelli (c1500-1501)

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Estella Laing in her 97th year. Estella passed away Wednesday,

December 22nd at the Glebe Centre. Estella was a long-time faithful member of McPhail Baptist, and served her Lord faithfully for the many long years of her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Estella’s husband Horatio and family.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Prelude: “He Is Born”

Carol: “The First Noel”

A Prayer of Thankful Hearts

Gracious God, as we draw near to the end of this year 2021, we look back and are grateful that through the many experiences and changes of the past year, whether in gladness or grief, in silence or song, that your love for us remains constant and that You have loved us with an everlasting love, a love that moves us to love others.

For the new things we have learned, for life that we know a little better, for friends who are closer to us and for loved ones who are more precious than ever, we give You thanks.

The gifts have been given O God, and the presents opened. Help us now and in the time ahead given to us, to open our hearts and lives to each other and to your gracious presence. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christmas Music:

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

Sue Sparks/Ernie Cox

Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Scripture Text: Luke 3:7-16

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[a] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire.

Christmas Music:"Mary, Did You Know?"

Terri-Ann Wint