18 Park Street,

Bright VIC 2741

www.brightchurchofchrist.org

Follow us on : @brightchurchofchrist

Church Leadership

Intentional Interim Pastor Rob Newton

Elders Graham Wells

Margaret Hartley

Rob Vandenberg

Linda Vanderwert

Deacons Carys De Marchi

Adam Lindsay

Joslyn Mauchline

Bruce Neilson

Ernie Vanderwert

December Newsletter 2020

Bright Church of Christ

Making Room for Jesus in Christmas

Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn (Luke

2:7). Imagine your own newborn baby being placed in an animal’s feed trough in a

barn. We would never choose that. Unhygienic. Messy. Uncomfortable. Smelly. Yet

our Father chose this to be the birthplace of Jesus. It was prophetic of His mission.

To enter our mess and bring change through humble service and surrender to

death. While the manger served as a throne, the stable was transformed into a

temple; with shepherds worshipping the king of glory. Similarly, when any human

being makes room for Jesus in their heart, transformation occurs. He does not

demand we polish ourselves up before He comes: He does the work after He

arrives.

Beyond the Inn in Bethlehem, there have been many occasions where there was

no room for Jesus. Humanity did not accept its own creator, “He was in the world,

and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him” (Jn1:10).

The Jews did not accept their own Messiah, “He came to His own, and His own did

not receive Him” (Jn 1:11). He even says to his own church, “Behold I stand at the

door and knock” (Rev 3:20). Thankfully, billions have made room for Jesus and

entered personal and eternal relationship with Him, “But as many as received Him,

to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His

name” (Jn 1:12).

When we think of the place of Jesus at Christmas, we see that as well as

commemorating His virgin birth, the day is now a significant marker in the cycle of

our culture. It has accumulated many traditions that enhance our lives. It comes

right at the end of each year. It ushers in holidays. It is a milestone to reflect on

2020, and dream of possibilities in 2021. It helps us nurture relationships with

significant family and friends. All these things are important. Yet it’s extraordinary

that Jesus can sometimes be a marginal figure on a day that primarily exists to

celebrate this most remarkable of all births in human history.

So, what can intentionally making room for Jesus mean for each of us this

Christmas? Is there a mess in your world that seems at odds with the glory of God,

seemingly so unsuitable for Jesus?

Pastoral Search Team Graham Wells

Ted Gray

Margaret Hartley

Adam Lindsay

Joslyn Mauchline

Lorna McCrae

Rob Vandenberg

Linda Vanderwert

Sunday Services

Once again we are able to gather at church for worship. This is at the usual

time of 10am. The service will also be livestreamed for those who are

unable to attend.

We are trying to be “COVID safe” and follow all the requirements laid down

by Government. You will be required to wear a mask while inside the

church buildings.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Think of the words spoken to shepherds as glory shone around them. Words of

peace and joy, of hope and promise, of salvation and freedom. They point to an

astonishing sign of goodwill and joy for all people - a messiah in a manger,

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will

be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour,

who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe

wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was

with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This Christmas take time to make room for Jesus in even the most unlikely places

in your heart, just like He chose to reveal his glory in a stable, “For it is the God

who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to

give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But

we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be

of God and not of us (2 Cor 4:6-7).

Have a blessed Christmas,

Grace and Peace,

Rob.

Grace and Peace,

Rob

Praise

Jan McCormack’s successful surgery in November. She still needs prayer for her continued recovery.

Prayer

Sonja Barnard’s mother has passed away in South Africa following a battle with

cancer. Please pray for Sonja and her family as they are separated at this

difficult and sad time.

Ethan Neilson is again unwell and awaiting an appointment with specialists.

Pray for Ethan, Alison, Chris and Lucas and that Ethan will have a speedy

diagnosis and treatment.

Mary Wells enters hospital on 10th December for a heart procedure. We pray

for the success of this procedure and Mary’s speedy recovery.

Alan McCormack and Geoff Cook both need prayer for their ongoing health

issues.

You Are Blessed

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness… you are more

blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of

imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation you are

ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest,

torture, or death…. you are more blessed than three billion people in the

world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead,

and a place to sleep….. you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish

somewhere…. you are among the top 80% of the world’s wealthy.

If you can read this, you are more blessed than over two billion people in

the world who cannot read at all.

Financial Matters Tithes and offerings received for November were $5,710. Tithes and offerings can be transferred electronically to the CBA Bright BSB 063645 Account 10022514.

Church Services over Christmas

Currently services over the Christmas period are planned as follows:

Sunday 20th December – worship service at 10.00am including a segment

involving the children from JAM.

Friday 25th December – a service of carols and readings commencing at

9.30am.

Sunday 27th December – worship service at 10.00am.