Sunday, December 13, 2009   

     Sunday morning was a wonderful time in the presence of the Lord.  We began our service with a time of praise and worship led by Andy Hoffecker.  Our choir, directed by Kristy Ross, presented a Christmas Musical entitled “A City on a Hill.” The musical featured solos from the following choir members: Quinton Dorsey, Andy Hoffecker, Valerie Hoffecker, Sara Shockley, Hope Summers, Georgia Fortner, and Debbie Wood.  Our hearts were lifted up with praise unto God as we were so richly blessed by the choir’s excellent presentation of this beautiful Christmas musical.  Thank you choir and Kristy for your dedication, hard work, and musical excellence!

     Pastor Roger closed the service with a brief message from Isaiah 9:6-7, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Pastor explained that Isaiah the prophet prophesied that the coming Messiah would be a child, a son, and a king (the government will be upon his shoulders).  This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth, the life, the work, and will ultimately be fulfilled in the future second coming of Christ.  

     As a baby, God chose to identify Himself with humanity by laying aside His deity to become a man who understands everything that we go through because He went through similar challenges, temptations, and suffering.  Jesus understands your struggles and He is able to guide you victoriously through them because He is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!

     In addition to this, Pastor spoke concerning Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.  In short, Jesus became a Son with a job given to Him by His Father.  His job/purpose was to seek and save the lost.  

     Finally, Jesus is revealed to us as one who will carry upon His shoulders the government of the world.  Isaiah tells us that the increase of His government and peace will have no end!  This is a prophetic reference to the time when Jesus will rule and reign on planet earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:11-21).