Most people would go directly to verse sixteen, probably the most popular and well known verse in the Bible. Here we find God’s good intentions for the earth, not just people, but the entirety of the created universe – that because God loved it, he was willing to do whatever it took to bring it back into his good grace.
In this passage, Jesus is speaking with one of the religious elites, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who has some questions for Jesus not just about his faith, but about life in general. Throughout the discussion, he is found to be scratching his head, mystified by Jesus’ theology – that unless one is born again, no one can enter the ‘kingdom of heaven,’ whatever that might be.
But it is verse 19-21, that hits Nicodemus, and all of us religious ‘elites’ squarely between the eyes. It is the krisis, which is the Greek word for ‘verdict.’
This is the krisis, light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
This is quite the crisis of faith.
All of us, from the first to the last, have been filled with that which shrouds us in darkness. This sin is not just about doing the wrong things, but it is about thoughts and words also. This is why we confess every week so that the light can expose our darkest places and bring a space which only Jesus can fill.
This week we are going to look at the process of how illumination leads to elimination of sin which then, especially during this time of advent, gives us opportunity to reflect not only on the light that has come into the world, but also on how we can reflect his light also.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: John 3:19-21 Ephesians 5:8-13
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Requests
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate. Non speaking parts are still available. If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au
Kingdom Kids
This Sunday at our 10.30am service Kingdom Kids will be having a Christmas Party to celebrate Jesus coming into the world to save all people! Toddler Zone will be available in the Toddler Zone room for children aged 10 months – 3 years. All other zones will be combining in the school for activities and morning tea.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services. Please help yourself to them in the narthex.
Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page! To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.
Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup will be having their last ever meet in the church hall at 9.30am on Wednesday. We will be celebrating Christmas! Please bring pre cut fruit to share and/or a plate of party food. We look forward to seeing you there!
Last week Matthew Dutschke shared his journey through life, including his personal faith journey. He explained about his work at Teen Challenge and what Teen Challenge does in the way of helping people leading troubled lives.
We then went on to watch snippets from a movie and have discussion around them. We had our minds blown away with a new way to look at baby Jesus and the manger scene. We then discovered that the Christmas Tree and Santa actually have their place even in the Christian Christmas. Even to some extent we can celebrate some form of materialism at Christmas. We all went away with some completely new ideas and eyes opened with regards to our thoughts around Christmas.
This Monday we have the exciting opportunity to serve again at the Meet’n’Eat Christmas dinner. This will be another great time of our youth and young adult leaders serving in the community. Friday the 15th December will see us having our final SOUL Crew event for this year (watch this space for what is around the corner). This will commence at 6pm with dinner, followed with 2 hours of non-stop Laser Tag fun. The cost $25 per person will cover both dinner and Laser Tag. Please let me know by Monday 11th at the latest, of your attendance that to ensure enough laser weapons are available on the night.
Any queries at all please don’t hesitate to contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au
Celebrate this Christmas with Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health invites you to join us this Christmas as together we share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love.
Read, reflect and share our four-part reflection series in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Our advent reflections are available in printed form from the church, or download them here Advent Reflections
We invite you to learn, share and donate - and give a gift that lasts long into the future. Plus, when you donate you'll receive a gift card so you can share your gift with your family, friends and colleagues.
May your Christmas be filled with delight as you share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love with those around you!
maranathahealth.org/give/christmas
From the Office
Office closure over Christmas
The office will be closed from 3pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and reopen at 9am on Thursday 4th January 2018
Offering Envelopes
Dated weekly offering envelopes are now available in the front foyer of the church.
Should you wish a box to be put aside please let office staff know via email or phone.
Christmas Whirlwind
It’s that time of the year when the competition heats up for the great blower challenge. Can you be available on Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?
Bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare you can put to the test.
Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.
A Parking blessing for Christmas
Please consider parking on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors. These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services. Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated.
Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
• 4.30pm till 5.00pm
• 5.30pm till 6.30pm
• 7.00pm till 8.00pm
Refreshments for attendants will be supplied.
LLL Annual Report
A copy of the 2016/17 LLL Annual Report is available in the Office Foyer for those that would like a read
Notice Board
Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
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every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.
A book by Peter Steicke
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
“When they saw the star,
They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy”
Matthew 2:10
