Monday, March 18, 2024

Sermon and Announcements March 17, 2024

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 17, 2024


Make the Most of our Time

Luke 20:4-47, 21:1-4


We are continuing today to look at what Jesus was doing as his time on

this earth drew to a close. Jesus continued to teach, to answer

questions from skeptics, to simply make the most of the time he had

left before his arrest and crucifixion. Last week we looked at the three

ways talked about by Luke, that the priests and Pharisees were trying to

stop Jesus. We did not look at the ways they were trying to trap him in

detail, but Jesus always had an answer that was within God the Father’s

will.


Today we read three examples of teaching moments Jesus had with His

disciples, as well as some of those teachers of the law that were out to

get him. Jesus first sought to answer the question about who exactly he

was in relationship to God. He then went on to warn, especially the

disciples, about how there will be those who will put on a good show

for God but are really only worried about themselves and their position.

Warning to not be deceived by their clever lies and their false religious

actions.


Jesus then gives one more example of those who really care more

about God and His work than themselves. In the last two examples,

Jesus drew the contrast between the ones putting on a show and those


who just want to do the right thing for God. The final example Jesus

gave was about the widow who had very little to give. She barely had

enough to get by on for herself, yet gave to God’s work faithfully. Jesus

showed how she gave far more than those who gave greater amounts.

God sees and understands the attitudes of our hearts and understands

every situation. In all of these teaching moments, Jesus knows his time

with his disciples is drawing to a close. Jesus also knew what was going

to happen to his disciples when they were the ones continuing to teach

the message of salvation, grace, love and righteousness. Jesus knew

things were not going to be easy. So, he sought to prepare them as best

he could in those final weeks they were together. Jesus knew that at

times personal sacrifice would be necessary. So he wanted them to, not

only, understand who he was as the Son of God, but also be aware of

what would lie ahead for them. That is why he warned about those

who pretended to be teachers of God’s word. And then showed the

example of true humility and faithfulness.


If we were to have finished the 21 st chapter we would see Jesus then

gave them a picture of what would happen at the end of this age. We

might say the end of the church age. Jesus did this to let the disciples

know there will come a time when God will bring an end to all the lies

and deception that will happen. Jesus also wanted everyone to know,

especially future generations, that things will get worse before they get

better, but God will give His people the ability to overcome.


The final two verses of the 21 st chapter says this, “Each day Jesus was

teaching at the temple, and in the evening, he went out to spend the

night on the hill called the Mount of Olives and all the people came

early in the morning to hear him at the temple.” Jesus was making the


most of the time he had left to teach and share with those he loved, his

disciples as well as God the Father. In many ways that is another of the

examples Jesus has given to all of us. We have a limited amount of time

on this earth. God is calling each one of us, his children, to use the time

as wisely as we can. Spend time with our family and friends. Share

God’s love and His righteousness as often as we can, in the ways the

Lord leads us. Sometimes it will be all about mercy and grace as Jesus

showed in some of the verses we read. Other times it will be tough

honest and yes loving truth that we will be called on to share as we also

read in these verses this morning. That must always be the purpose for

us as it always was with Jesus. The desire to draw our family, our

friends, our neighbors to share in the eternal life God has for each who

will receive.


In closing I will ask you the question I felt God asking me, which goes

back to the sermon title. Are you, am I, making the most of the time

God is giving us? Both in sharing time with those we care about, those

we love, as well as using our time as ambassadors for Christ. As we see

how Jesus used every moment, every opportunity to teach and to love,

that is what he is asking us to do as well. God has great things in store

for each and every one of His faithful servants. We can, at times, get a

glimpse of that while we are here on earth. But truly the best is yet to

come when we hear our Heavenly Father say to each one of us, “Well

done good and faithful servant!”

Pastor Larry


Announcements:


Sunday School 9:00

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

Today and next Sunday—One Great Hour of Sharing—special

envelopes in the back

March 20—12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and

meeting—meal provided, in the Fellowship Hall

March 28 7:00 p.m. Love Feast at the Brethren Church—we

are invited to participate with them.

March 31 Easter—sunrise service at Veterans' Park (at our church if

inclement weather)


--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship

and/or children’s story lesson in the nursery during the sermon.

We need your help.

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

Donation Box for March: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: Food Bank donations


Keep in Your Prayers


Mike Roach and family; Carole McClarey; Dave White; Louis and Carol Sulwer; Ava; Nora

Hanaver; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike

Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron and Kathleen

Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and

Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo and Darlene

Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests;

victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian

church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Oakley Brick congregation and

for the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries Office.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Sermon and Announcements March 3, 2024

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 3, 2024


Lord Teach Us To Love

Mark 12:29 – 31


In four weeks, we will celebrate Easter. This was the moment God

proved, even though he did not have to, how much he loved all the

people--past, present and future. We will begin looking in depth at all

the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection next Sunday.


Before we look at those events again, I would like for us to look today

at what Godly love really is like. Is it flowing through out lives as it

should be? If not, why? How can we get it and day in and day out put it

into practice? One of the best ways to know if we have God’s love

flowing though us on a consistent basis is our ability to forgive. Jesus

taught his disciples how to pray as written in Matthew 6. One of the

points in the prayer Jesus taught his disciples was to ask God to forgive

us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. Jesus then bluntly

states in verses 14 and 15 of chapter 6, “For if you forgive man when

they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if

you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your

sins.”


So, as we consider the verses, we first read which stated what the

greatest commandment was, we saw that the love of God and the love

for our neighbor covers all of the other commandments. Now as we


consider these two verses about forgiveness, we can see if we do not

have the ability to forgive one another, we really don’t love God or our

neighbor.


When Cathy and I were gone we spent a total of around 20 hours in

planes. Several years ago, I bought the book, Mere Christianity by

C.S. Lewis. I had started on it some time ago but had not completed it.

So I took it with me hoping to complete it. I wish reading was

something that came naturally to me but it does not. Anyway, I began

reading this book again and found several points interesting that

C. S. Lewis was making. Quick quiz--What book is C.S. Lewis probably

best known for? Chronicles of Narnia. I do not know how many of you

have read Mere Christianity or any of the other books C.S. Lewis has

written but if you are familiar with him, you already know in early

adulthood he was an atheist. C.S. Lewis felt God’s presence in ways

around him he could not keep on denying and he ultimately accepted

Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior from that time on and all his books

had a Christian theme to them.


Mere Christianity reflects the journey he has been on as a Christian and

tells of his observations about Christianity, Christians and the world.

Some of you may know C.S. Lewis is from Great Britian. Early in the

chapter entitled “Forgiveness” he makes this statement. “Everyone says

forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive, as we

had during the war.” Those of you who know history know Germany

bombed London day after day, killing hundreds of thousands and C.S.

Lewis recognized God is compelling His people to find forgiveness in


their hearts for everyone, even those who sought to kill you. How easy

is that to do?


C.S. Lewis went on to tell of a news story where someone was accused

of doing terrible things. It was a person easy to dislike, easy to hate. But

it turned out the person had not done the things he was accused of

doing. He goes on to say how disappointed many were that the person

had not done the things he was accused of. Because they had created

such dislike, they wanted the person to be punished. He goes on to

suggest the true evil person may be the one who still holds the grudge.

Can that at times happen to anyone of us? What C.S. Lewis writes in

this chapter is consistent with what the Bible says. We are to hate evil,

this is true. We must condemn sin when it is in direct contradiction to

God and His word. However, we must always promote love in all

circumstances. While many today do not believe in the death penalty,

C.S. Lewis said this as he wrapped up the chapter on forgiveness. “We

may kill, if necessary, but we must not hate and enjoy hating. We may

punish, if necessary, but we must not enjoy it.” He goes on to say,

“Even while we kill and punish, we must try to feel about the enemy as

we feel about ourselves to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he

may, in this world or another be cured; in fact, to wish his good.” That

is what is meant in the Bible by loving him, wishing his good, not feeling

fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not. I admit that this means

loving people who have nothing lovable about that.”


Let’s face it, some people are not easy to love. Some are not easy to

forgive, but Jesus made it clear if we expect God to forgive us, we must

be willing to forgive. If we expect God’s love and mercy, we must be

wiling to show love and mercy to one another. Every night on the news


you can hear stories of evil done to someone across this country. How

often do we take a minute to pray for the victims and their families?

How often do we pray for those who have committed those evil

crimes? Jesus not only commanded us to love the Lord our God and

love our neighbor as ourselves, he also said in Matthew 5:44-45, “But I

tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that

you may be the sons and daughters of your Father in heaven. The

sermon title is “Lord Teach Us to Love”. C.S. Lewis identifies how

difficult it can be to love as Christ loves us. Without the Holy Spirit’s

help, it is impossible to love as God loves us. May we admit to our

prejudices and our shortcomings and honestly ask God to teach us to

love as he loves us.

Pastor Larry


Announcements:


Sunday School 9:00

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

March 10—Commissions and Board meetings after worship

March 20—12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and

meeting—meal provided, in the Fellowship Hall


--Newsletters are available in the back.

--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship

and/or children’s story lesson in the nursery during the sermon.

We need your help.


Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362


Donation Box for March: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: Food Bank donations


Keep in Your Prayers


Carole McClarey; Dave White; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Ava; Nora

Hanaver; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike

Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen

Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and

Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene

Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests;

victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian

church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the York Center congregation and

for Children’s Disaster Services.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Sermon and Announcements February 25

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

February 25, 2024


What Is My Gift?

Romans 12:4-8


The last time I was with you was Service Sunday. The Church of the

Brethren encouraged us to think about different ways we can serve our

church and our community, how we can serve God and one another.

This Sunday I would like each one of us to take it a step further.


Both in Romans, chapter 12 and 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, we are told

of gifts that have been given to those of us in God’s church, gifts given

to us by the Holy Spirit. We are to use those gifts to build up one

another and to serve in whatever way God leads us.


This morning, we are going to look at the verses in Romans. I know

virtually everyone in this congregation has served in 1 or more ways in

this church or in another church during your lifetime. God has given

each and every one of us gifts we are to use for His kingdom work.

Some of us may feel we are better in one area but maybe not as good

in some others. Paul is pointing out to the church in Rome that just as

the human body has many different parts, so does the body of Christ.

For the human body to work it’s best all the different parts need to

operate to the best of their ability. That is also true for the body of

Christ.


There are 7 different gifts mentions in these verses in Romans. In 1

Corinthians there are 9 different gifts listed. On the surface the lists

seem very different but when you understand the purpose of the gifts,

they are pretty similar. To build up the church and to empower us to do

what God has called us to do.


This morning, we are going to focus on the ones found in Romans.

1. Prophesying

2. Serving

3. Teaching

4. Encouraging

5. Contributing (giving)

6. Leadership

7. Showing mercy


Most of these gifts are pretty easy to understand. Let’s quickly look at

them one at a time.

~~Prophesying may also be viewed as someone in a spiritual leadership

position. One willing to faithfully proclaim the Word of God whether it is

easy or not. Multiple examples of prophets in the Old Testament

proclaiming God’s desires for His people.

~~Serving. That can take on a number of different meanings. It requires

someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal

without worrying about who gets the credit or who is in charge.

~~Teaching. That one also can take a variety of appearances. There are

many things that need to be taught and it takes a special person to be

able to effectively and sometimes patiently teach others.

~~Encouraging. The church needs cheerleaders, people who will build

others up, especially when things are not going well.

~~Contribute. This does not just mean giving money in support of God’s

work. It can also mean giving of your time. Whatever way God call a

person to contribute they are encouraged to do it generously.

~~Leadership or being a leader. As with many of the other gifts, this can

go many different directions. There can be a variety of different

projects going on in the church throughout the year. It is important that

someone be willing take a leadership role to see that it is successful. In

most cases, there can be different leaders throughout the year,

depending on the project or job.

~~Mercy. I believe every member of the body of Christ should have this

gift. However, some are called to use this gift in a more powerful,

compassionate and consistent way than others.


When we look at these 7 gifts, I believe every church needs to have

these gifts flowing through it on a regular basis. If we are to fulfill the

call placed on us, both as individual Christians and as the church, being

examples of Jesus Christ to our part of the world and our communities.

We must encourage one another to use those gifts God has given us.

The most important thing is that we allow the Lord to use us right here,

right now as best we can to be God’s witnesses in an honest, loving and

faithful way.

Pastor Larry


Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

February 28 Newsletter submission deadline

--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship

and/or children’s story lesson in the nursery during the sermon.

We need your help.

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

Donation Box for February: Utilities

First Sundays: Food Bank donations


Keep in Your Prayers

Carole McClarey; Dave White; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Ava; Nora Hanaver; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler;

Randy and Michelle West; Mike Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler;

Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea

Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young;

Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy

Gorrell; many unspoken requests; victims of disasters; victims of

shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine;

Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Leap Day “week”—pray for our own

congregation and about what leap of faith we might make this year.

Monday, January 8, 2024

January 7 2024 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

January 7, 2024

 

How Far Are We Willing to Go?

Matthew 2:1-12

 

It has been almost two weeks since the Christian world celebrated the birth of our Savior. Today we are going to look at the ones who were not there the night, the day Jesus was born. Some in the Christian world call January 6 the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the day some believe the wise men arrived to pay their respects to the newborn King of the Jews. As we read this morning, these Magi or wise men came from the east. They had seen what is stated to be a star that obviously was brighter and unlike any other star they had ever seen.

 

Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson talked in some detail about all the events concerning the star, the wise men and their coming to worship this king. It stated these wise men were probably advisors to the leaders of the land they lived in. That they were probably astrologers who referred to the stars for guidance in their recommendations to their leaders. When they saw this star in the sky, it was so amazing, so miraculous they had to see what it was about. Their profession compelled them to follow this star. Because it appears they came from some distance away, it is believed these wise men were almost certainly Gentiles. Whether they knew anything about the prophecies about a Messiah to the Jews or not, we do not know. It is quite possible there were some living in their land that knew the Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah. They also could see the star was in the direction of Israel so they may have believed maybe, just maybe the God of the Jews was about to do something miraculous. So off they went following this star that was there for everyone to see.

 

There are several amazing things about this story. Before we get into some of them, I want you to understand what I believe about this story, as well as others in the Bible. I believe every one of the stories in the Bible tell of actual events that really happened. While some of the events may have more than one meaning, I believe they are all about things that did happen in the lives of God’s people. That being said, let us look at some of the things that make this story so amazing. First, we see that men from a long way away came to see what the star really meant. Once again, most theologians believe the wise men were Gentiles that made this long journey. Whether they knew who they were going to see before they left their county or found out on the way they had become convinced they were going to find the King of the Jews. They brought with them expensive gifts fit for a king. So, the first amazing thing is that Gentile Magi would travel months or even years to find this king who wasn’t one they necessarily believed in.

 

The second amazing part is that it would seem none of the Jewish priests were in the least interested about what had happened in Bethlehem. There is no mention of anyone else from Israel realizing that the star was there for everyone to see had any special significance for Israel and the Jewish people. When Jesus was born, the shepherds came and saw what had happened and told everyone they saw about all the things that had happened to them. Since it seems none of the locals followed up on the shepherds’ story, does that mean they thought the shepherds were nuts? That they had been out with the sheep too long?

 

So as I considered what the Magi was willing to do and how far they had been willing to go, I wondered how far would I be willing to go? How far have we been willing to go for our Savior? We are not certain how far these men travelled to get to Jesus, but we know they did not hop in their car and in a day of two were there. They travelled for months, maybe even more than a year to see Jesus. They put their lives on hold to see what the God of Israel may have done for His people. How much have you and I given up to serve our King? I do not begin to claim to know what God has, is, calling each of you to do for the Lord. Maybe each one of you has done most all of the things the Lord has asked you to do. But as I have been compelled to look honestly at my life, I must ask myself, “Am I where the Lord wants me to be with my walk with the Lord?”

 

AS we consider the faithfulness of the Magi in making this long journey to worship the King and then their ability to listen to the Lord to not go back to Herod as they originally planned to tell him where Jesus was, I wonder, “Am I as committed and as connected to the Lord as these Gentiles were?”

 

What an amazing story of God using the most unlikely to be part of His story. Some may view you and me as unlikely parts of God’s story as well, but each and every one of us need to realize we are important to God. And we are important parts of God’s ongoing story. As with Mary and Joseph, as with the shepherds, as with the wise men, there is just one requirement when God says, “Will you?” That is for us to be willing to say, “Yes I will.” So how do we answer the question, “How far are we willing to go?” How far have we been willing to go or our Lord and Savior?

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

Today after worship—special council meeting

          12:00-3:00 nativity display at Millikin Homestead

January 14 after worship—board meeting

 

--Time for Messenger renewals and/or new subscriptions. Pick up a form in the back if you want to subscribe via the church club--$14.50 for 1 year. If you are renewing and there are no changes, no need to fill out anything. Give new forms to Carol by January 14.

--2023 offering envelope summaries are complete and are in church mailboxes or mailed

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

Donation Box for January: Utilities

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Keep in Your Prayers

Ava; Nora Hanaver; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Moracco; Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Panther Creek congregation and the Youth/Young Adult Ministries office.

 

 

Monday, December 18, 2023

Third Sunday of Advent

 


CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

December 17, 2023

Promises Made

Micah 5:2-5

 

The Story Behind The Beloved Christmas Carol "Silent Night"

WRTI Your Classical and Jazz Source | By Susan Lewis

Published December 20, 2021 at 12:27 PM EST

It was 205 years ago when "Silent Night" was first heard by Austrian villagers attending Christmas Eve mass in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf. How did this simple melody, with its words of comfort, become a beloved hymn of peace throughout the world?

The Story

"Silent Night" is about a calm and bright silent night, and the wonder of a tender and mild newborn child, words written in 1816 by a young priest in Austria, Joseph Mohr, not long after the Napoleonic wars had taken their toll.

"The backstory is that the priest went for a walk before he wrote it, and he looked out over a very quiet, winter-laden town," says composer/conductor John Conahan, who co-organized the Silent Night Sing-In with WRTI in 2018, 2019 and 2023, and created a new arrangement of the famous carol. "He was inspired...the town was at peace."

It was Christmas Eve, 1818, when the now-famous carol was first performed as Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht. Joseph Mohr, the young priest who wrote the lyrics, played the guitar and sang along with Franz Xaver Gruber, the choir director who had written the melody.

An organ builder and repair man working at the church took a copy of the six-verse song to his home village. There, it was picked up and spread by two families of traveling folk singers, who performed around northern Europe. In 1834, the Strasser family performed it for the King of Prussia. In 1839, the Rainer family of singers debuted the carol outside Trinity Church in New York City. 

The composition evolved, and was translated into over 300 languages with many different arrangements for various voices and ensembles. It was sung in churches, in town squares, even on the battlefield during World War I, when, during a temporary truce on Christmas Eve, soldiers sang carols from home. "Silent Night," by 1914, known around the world, was sung simultaneously in French, German and English.

Over the years, the carol's mystique grew with its popularity. After the original manuscript was lost, for decades, some speculated that the music had been written by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven. In 1994, an original manuscript was found in Mohr's handwriting, with Gruber named as composer.

Today, the Franz Xaver Gruber Museum in Hallein and the Joseph Mohr School in Wagrain, Austria honor the creators of this classic carol. The Stille Nacht Gesellschaft—or Silent Night Society—hosts a virtual Silent Night museum, tracks events, and promotes the use of all six verses, which in the words of Silent Night Society president "[encourage] peace and [demand] responsibility for the globe."

The English version of "Silent Night" is typically sung in three verses corresponding with the original 1, 6, and 2.

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. 'Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild.  Sleep in heavenly peace,  Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born, Christ, the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace.  Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

 

Before we look at today’s scripture and message, how many of you knew Silent Night actually has 6 verses? As has been the case with some of the carols we have looked at, this story seemingly was inspired as a result of a world in turmoil and a night that the composer experienced when all seemed as God ideally intends for His creation, His people. A beautiful, silent night, that reminded Joseph Mohr of what could be, not what had been. This song did seem to be written as a Christmas song. It was inspired by God to help us all know God is with us through the good and the difficult times of life. His peace and love are there in the midst of our storms if we invite him in. For the message that we have today, this song jumps the gun a bit for what we will be looking at this morning.

What a glorious promise God is making to His people through Micah. The first promise talks of Bethlehem. Bethlehem had not been one of the towns that had held a lot of prominence in the story of God’s people yet. It was to have the ruler, the Messiah, come from it. God’s people had been dominated by others for quite some time when this promise was made. God’s promise warned them that it was still going to be a longer wait until the good shepherd would come to redeem them. In fact, this was written 700 years before the birth of Christ. Of course, they did not know for sure how long the wait would be, yet you have to believe they wanted to believe it would be within the lifetime of those who first received this promise. Yet the promise went unfulfilled for generation after generation.

It would have been easy for this message, this promise, to have been lost, forgotten. Yet there were those generation after generation that continued to hope and wait for God to honor this promise.

 

Let us now move forward to Luke 1: 26-35 and then skip to verse 38. Here we read that God is setting the stage to fulfill what had been promised by the Old Testament prophets including what we read in Micah this morning.

 

Let’s face it, we all want to see things happen on our timetable more times than not. Whether Mary knew of all the promises made hundreds of years earlier or not, we do not know. We do know by what has been recorded that Mary with only a little questioning was willing to do what the angel said would happen. Let us look a little closer at what was told to Micah and then what the angel, Gabriel told Mary about the child who would be born to her.

 

 

Micah 5:4-5

He will stand and shepherd his flock
    in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
    will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be our peace…

 

 

Now let’s see what was promised to Mary in Luke.

Luke 1:32-33

New International Version

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

 

So, we see the promise made to God’s people through Micah 700 years earlier is finally about to happen or so it seems. God sent Gabriel to a young woman living in Nazareth to announce God is about to do something never before done. If you think about it, God is all about doing the impossible. Story after story in the Old Testament is about God doing something new for His people, through His people. Doing things that seem impossible but for our God nothing is impossible. There are also a number of stories in the New Testament as well.

The stage is set. God’s promises have been made through Micah and now to a young girl in Nazareth. Did God do what he promised? Stay tuned as we will see next Sunday whether God was really able to keep these promises. All of God’s people, all of creation depend on it.

Pastor Larry


Announcements:

 

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study cancelled until after the first of the new year.

 

Check your mailbox!

 

December 20 7:00 p.m. Christmas Worship Service here—Prepare for Christmas with meditations, songs, the sharing of the bread and cup, and candle-lighting.

December 24 ADVENT OFFERING—see insert in your bulletin; envelopes will be provided next Sunday

 

Needed: Volunteers for Children’s stories. Please sign up in the back.

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

Donation Box: The Lord’s Storehouse

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Ava; Nora Hanaver; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Moracco; Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Neighborhood congregation and On Earth Peace.

 


Monday, December 11, 2023

Second Sunday of Advent

 


CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

December 10, 2023

 

I Bring Good Tidings

Isaiah 40:9-10

The Story Behind the Christmas Carol "Joy to the World"

(Taken from https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/learn-the-story-behind-joy-to-the-world)

Isaac Watts, and to Since 1719, “Joy to the World” has been a Christmas staple. Its lyrics were crafted by date, it remains one of the most-published hymns in Northern America. However, the fun fact is, the song wasn’t even intended to be a Christmas carol, as its original version had no such link with Christmas. It wasn’t even supposed to be a song!

Origin

According to church history, Isaac Watts was one of the most prolific and celebrated creators of hymns. However, his most famous creation, “Joy to the World” was born of coincidence, rather than desire. In 1719, Watts published “The Psalms of David,” a collection of poems where each verse was based on a psalm. But, instead of translating the original texts of the “Old Testament,” he made some subtle adjustments. His poems referred more explicitly towards the works of Jesus, thus seeking inspiration from the New Testament.

Musical Overview

The majority of the hymns of “The Psalms of David “have now fallen into obscurity, except for the second part of “Psalm 98.” Ironically, the poet had no intention of creating a Christmas carol when he composed the verse. However, in 1836, Lowell Mason composed a riveting melody for this second part and combined with its popularity in the church. “Joy to the World” started its journey into the music stratosphere.

The musical origin of “Joy to the World” is somewhat mystical. Lowell Mason’s version remains the most prevalently utilized to date, which was the fourth revised interpretation of the carol. Lowell named it “ANTIOCH,” the tune of which is attributed to George Frideric Handel. The choruses of Handel’s oratorio, titled “Messiah” shared a chance resemblance with “ANTIOCH.” A theme of this musical accompaniment also portrayed an eerie similarity with the orchestral inception of “Comfort ye,” a recitative.

Further, the first four notes also bear a striking similarity to the opening of the choruses “Glory to God” and “Lift up your heads,” all belonging to the same oratorio. However, this claim has its loose ends, since no autographed score by George Frideric Handel exists. This, added with zero documentary evidence suggesting Handel’s involvement offers “ANTIOCH” the benefit of the doubt. In 1986, John Wilson further unearthed the fact that the initial publication of “Joy to the World” was in two separate English collections. One of these versions, titled “Comfort” is dated back to 1833. This again creates a theory excluding Lowell Mason from the list of the composer, as his first version is dated three years after.

Isaac Watts

Although Isaac Watts is well appreciated today, he was considered to be a black sheep back in his time. He severely disturbed the status quo of his contemporary musical culture and was also termed as a heretic for his lyrics. He grew up in a society that consisted only of sections of scriptures and psalms being incorporated with music. Watts broke this hegemony, as he noticed a certain lack of emotion among the congregants who performed it. He hated this monotonous and dull negligence that was prominent upon the faces of the performers. His father challenged him to do something about this, and eventually, he started tweaking his verses, opening a whole new frontier of possibilities.

The Accidental Christmas Hymn

Another widespread debate that is most associated with this hymn is its origin as a Christmas carol. Although it clearly depicts the Second Coming of Christ, it doesn’t have any trivial connection with the Christmas story. However, contrary to popular opinion, there lies a correlation - a “Second Coming” cannot be manifested without a “First Coming.” The piece is all about fulfillment, depicting the notions of a supernatural phenomenon, of what could be achieved from its impact. Similarly, Christmas does not only dwell in the past attainments but also looks forward to the grace that was achieved subsequently. The song proclaims the ultimate joy that is yet to be revealed, establishing a strong connection with the festive period.

 

We read some of the history of one of the most beloved Christmas songs there is, Joy to the World. As we read, this song was never intended to be a Christmas song. Clearly the first few lines could be viewed as talking about the birth of Jesus. However, that was not the intent. The song really is about the second coming as opposed to the birth of Jesus. The song, we learned, is based off Psalm 98, not Luke 2:10-11. The passage in Luke joyfully says, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” One could easily believe this scripture was the inspiration for Joy to the Word but it was not. Instead, it is based on the 98th Psalm.

 

Isaac Watts was looking forward the Lord’s return. Starting with verse 4 of Psalm 98 we read, “Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music, make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the rams’ horn-shout before the Lord, the King.” The next couple of verses say ALL the earth will rejoice before the Lord. Then verse 9 concludes by saying, “Let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” So, while Joy to the Word is about Jesus, it is not the first coming that is the main focus but His second coming. The scripture I read to begin with talks about several things the Lord was going to be doing. Verse 9 starts off by saying, “You who bring good tidings” twice. At the end of verse 9 it then says, “Here is your God.” Most theologians believe this is a reference of three different things God is going to do.

(1) God’s people returning to Jerusalem from exile.

(2) The first coming, the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

(3) The second coming of Jesus Christ.

 

So, as we sing the song, Joy to the World, let us consider all of the things this song is saying. The first verse can easily be viewed as being about Jesus’ arrival and the joy that it represents. However, the remaining three verses clearly state what Jesus brought to the world during His ministry, as well as what the world will truly experience when Jesus returns. No matter whether this explanation of what inspired the writing of Joy to the Word changed the way you view this song or not, it is a song of promise, of hope and of true joy. The hope and joy that transformed the world began in a manger 2000 years ago. God has always loved His people. God’s mercy and grace were a key part of every story in the Old Testament. However, God’s love, mercy and grace took on a new dimension when the Savior of the World came to earth as a little baby. That is what we celebrate at this time of year. Whether it is what is written in Isaiah when we are told you who bring good tidings or in Psalm when we are told to shout for joy all the earth or in Luke when the angels said, “I bring you good news of great joy.”

This is our story to claim because God came to earth for you and me. So, let us share the good tidings of God’s love. Let us sing Joy to the World because we have a reason to be excited about God’s love for all who will believe.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

December 13 6:15 Exec Comm; 7:00 Commissions; 7:30 Board

New and current members—all members check your mail box for info that needs to be returned to Carol today.

December 20 7:00 p.m. Christmas Worship Service here

 

Needed: Volunteers for Children’s Bible story in nursery during worship. Please sign up in back.

Children’s message volunteers. Sign up in back.

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

Donation Box: The Lord’s Storehouse

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Connie Ashenfelter; Patty Jo; Patty; Ava; Nora Hanaver; Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Randy and Michelle West; Mike Gentry; Wilma Cable; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Moracco; Israel and Hamas war

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Hurricane Creek congregation and the CoB in Spain.


Friday, December 1, 2023

Community Christmas Vespers

 This is short notice, I know, but our annual community Christmas Vespers is this Sunday (!!), December 3, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

This is always a lovely service, and we serve a light supper afterwards. Come and enjoy the blessings of the beginning of the Advent season and the fellowship of the meal following.