Matthew 4:12-23

Thoughts:         The author of Matthew was eager to prove to the educated Jews that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.  Frequently, he quotes verses from the Old Testament to demonstrate that Christ’s birth and ministry were the fulfillment of prophecies.
 
Matthew 4:16 cites Isaiah 9:2, which predicted, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
 
Later in Isaiah 9, Handel found the words for his immortal “For unto us a Son is born.”  Nearly 800 years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah wrote that God promised us “the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
 
Discussion:      In what ways does our church help the light to shine in darkness?
 

Activity:            In these darkest evenings of the year, all of us feel a special need for the light and warmth of Christ’s love.  Pay a compliment.  Smile. Welcome a visitor to our church.  Listen to another person’s sorrow with loving sympathy.

Remember in prayer this week Francis Corera, Bob Grusnick, Vivian Hansard, Sandy Northey, Mildred Parker, and Tom Stevens.
 
We are saddened to learn that Tom Beagan, Sr. passed away yesterday.  His funeral will be Thursday at 11am at Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 12 Mile Road (two blocks west of Woodward), Berkley.  Visitation is Wednesday from 3-9pm at the funeral home.
 
Mid-week Word meets tomorrow at 10:00am in the Chapel with Pastor Weatherly.    We discuss the scripture seen above for the coming Sunday. Food and fellowship abound.
 
Don’t forget this Saturday is the Women’s Retreat. 
 
Next Sunday is All Music Sunday.  Bells and choirs will be heard.  Please join us and bring a friend for 10:00am Worship.