December 2017

SO WHO IS JESUS? 

That is the question everyone should be asking this Christmas but, sadly, too few will even realise this festive season is really all about Him.  So let’s take a few moments to remind ourselves and be ready to answer what potentially is a life-changing question.

First, Jesus is Christ the Lord for: “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).  Not only is this the advent of the long-awaited Christ, the Messiah, the specially Anointed One of whom God’s people have yearned but this is “the Lord.” God himself has come. Here, finally, after centuries of waiting, is the true Immanuel. Here is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Secondly, Jesus is the Saviour. “Unto you is born this day . . . a Saviour,” heralds the angel “You shall call his name Jesus,” the messenger says to Joseph, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus comes to save.

There is more to be said. It gets even better for Jesus is the Treasure.  The risen Christ is the treasure hidden in the field (Matthew 13:44).  He is the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45–46). He is not just God with us, here to save us, but He himself is our greatest joy, the pre-eminent Treasure, who will satisfy our human souls forever as only the divine-human Christ can.

Finally, Jesus is the Glory.  The heavenly hosts sing His praises: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14).  We often think of Christ as our Lord, Saviour and Treasure but we are missing the point if we somehow disregard His glory.  Not only did Jesus uphold the reputation and honour of Almighty God while on earth but He was and is our glorious God Himself.

Let’s make sure we put Christ at the heart of our Christmas this year!

 

WELCOME HOME

It is good to welcome back Pastor Peter who has been away in the United States  on a month-long sabbatical. May the Lord continue to bless him and the family as he resumes his ministry at Tabernacle.

 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to Joan and Ray Martin who picked up the “Star of Newbridge” award  for their continuing hard work in the local community. They were given the honour of switching on the Newbridge Christmas lights following  a short carol service at Tabernacle on Friday, 1^st December.

 

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Speakers for Sunday Services in December: 

   3^rd:           a.m.   Pastor Peter Cho                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       p.m.   Rev  Dr  Suzanne Roberts 

 10^th:           a.m.   Pastor Peter Cho                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       p.m.   Mr Geoff Champion                                                                                                                                                                                                         Both services cancelled because of snow 

 17^th:           a.m.    Nativity Play                                                                                                                                                                                                                          p.m.   Carol Service 

 24^th:          a.m.   Pastor Peter Cho                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       5p.m.  Carol Service at Newbridge Pentecostal Church 

 31^st:            a.m.   Pastor Peter Cho                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   No evening service                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8p.m.  Social evening & Watchnight Service

Dates for your diary:           

 Tuesday 5^th:         Y Christmas (schools visiting) 

 “      “      “                 Caerphilly County Borough Council Budget Consultation Drop-in Session    (Main Schoolroom) 

Wednesday 6th     Church Business Meeting   

Thursday  7^th:       Community Luncheon Club – Christmas meal   

Saturday 9^th:         9.30a.m.. – 12.00 noon Gwent Baptist Association Prayer and Quiet Reflection Time for Advent 

Tuesday 12^th:        11a.m. Carol Singing at Tyr Celyn Nursing Home,  New Bryngwyn Road (meet at church 10:30)  

Thursday 14^th:      6.30p.m .Community Carol Service 

Tuesday 19^th:        12p.m. Fellowship Meal at Travellers Rest

Sunday 24th:        5pm  Newbridge Pentecostal Church Carol Service  ( no evening service at Tabernacle)               

Monday 25^th:        10.30am  Christmas Day Service 

Sunday 31^st:          8.00p.m. Social Evening &Watchnight Service (Bring & Share)

 

SHOE BOXES (SAMARITAN’S PURSE) 

A total of 160 shoe boxes have been donated from Tabernacle.  These included some from Bethel, Crumlin, Members of Slimming World plus a number of individual friends.  Thank you to everyone who has donated.  Special thanks to go Joan and Ray Martin, Kath, Howard and Naomi  Seaborne, for organising the event, and all who helped fill the boxes.

Samaritan’s Purse UK is an international relief and development organisation that works through local churches to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God amongst communities in need (in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia) across the world.