"The Stewardship of Your Treasure"

Advent We have used the Advent calendar for more than 20 years as an, more-or-less, organized way of focusing our attention on the meaning of the birth of Jesus. On each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas the emphasis is on one of the “gifts” that came to us with the Incarnation (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) and then on Christmas Eve we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel. Christian Symbols First, and most important, symbols stand for something, but they are not the thing itself. Symbols are used to enable us to give expression to ideas or things which are difficult to describe in words. They also become a kind of “short hand” for the actual object or event. Symbols are different from pictures; for example, you have seen many pictures portraying the last supper with Jesus and the disciples gathered around the table, but a symbol of the last supper might be a chalice, bread, or grapes. In general, symbols are made to look plain, sometimes even crude, rather than beautiful so as to not detract from the meaning– in this case, the object symbolized is important, but the artist’s skill is not. We encounter symbols often in our lives. As an example, the “pedestrian crossing” sign doesn’t use an actual picture of a person, but, rather, a simple stick figure which conveys the message much more clearly. Of course, in our technological age we are all acquainted with icons (symbols) on our phones, computers, and in our cars. In the past, many evangelicals utterly rejected any Christian symbolism because of the apparent misuse by some church groups – there is a danger that the symbol might become more important than what it symbolizes, and even worshiped. However, viewed correctly, symbols are an important means of conveying knowledge in a very clear, concise, and unique manner. An appropriate symbol for the first Sunday of Advent is “the sunrise” in reference to Luke 1:78, 79, where, quoting Isaiah 9:2 and speaking of Jesus, the writer says, “...because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” The KJV uses the old, and descriptive, word, “dayspring” for sunrise. At the birth of Jesus, the “Light of the World” came into His world to bring life and light to those who were lost. He was, and is, the HOPE of all who live in the shadow of death. His birth was truly the dawning of a new age – the “Son-rise,” as it were! Welcome to the Morning Worship of the College Heights Baptist Church on December the third, 2023 The First Sunday of Advent: HOPE Service begins at 10:30 AM But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NIV) Prelude with Announcements Music 314 “Whosoever Will” Welcome & Announcements Lentz Upshaw Angel Tree Video Advent Video “Hope” Lighting the Candle of Hope and Prayer Music Mission Video Aaron & Eve Wilson “I Am Resolved” 301 “Living for Jesus” 282 “The Great Pursuit” “The Stewardship of Your Treasure” Robert Murphy Message (2 Corinthians 8:1-8) Response “Take My Life, and Let it Be Consecrated” Benediction Romans 11:33,36 Postlude Dayspring He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute. AUGUSTINE 277 Today 9:15 am Bible Study Classes 10:30 am Morning Worship live and online Nursery is provided during worship for preschool-aged children. 6:00 pm Hour of Prayer Wednesday 9:30 am Ladies Bible Study (here & via Zoom) 6:45 pm Conversational English Classes Thursday 7:30 pm Young Women’s Bible Study at 2140 College Heights Rd. Saturday 8:00 am Ladies Accountability Group Announcements, etc. Angel Tree Families for Christmas Once again we are working with Prison Fellowship Ministries to provide Christmas gifts for the children of an incarcerated parent. We have four families with ten children, ages 4-17. The tags for the gifts are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer (to the left as you leave). We will need the gifts purchased, wrapped, and returned to the church office by Saturday, Dec. 16th. Life with Christ is an endless hope, without him a hopeless end. All-Church Open House Sunday, Dec. 17th This will be a “pot luck” dinner and you are asked to bring one of your favorite dishes to share. We will meet in Fellowship Hall immediately after worship and continue until about 2:00. Beverages will be furnished. Deacons John Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-8168 Scott Bowman . . . . . . . 936-718-6182 Jerry Lawson . . . . . . . . 405-788-1317 John Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-2365 George Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-7671 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Through this offering, the IMB is purposeful, strategic, and laser-focused on reaching the least-reached people groups on the planet. Those who are sent to the front lines in this work deserve our unwavering loyalty, our undying support, our unyielding commitment. T hey are your missionaries.We are the ones holding the ropes for them. Let’s commit ourselves anew to joining them in the task and, together, reach the nations. Our church’s goal this year is $4,000, all of which goes to missionary support. Business Meeting Next Sunday In the Church Parlor immediately following the worship service. COLLEGE HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH 2320 Anderson Avenue 785.537.7744 email: office@collegeheightsbaptist.org website: collegeheightsbaptist.org facebook: college heights baptist manhattan Lentz Upshaw, pastor lentz@collegeheightsbaptist.org