Reach Magazine - December 2019

I N S P I R E Y O U R F A I T H | I M PA C T T H E W O R L D

The Heart Of Christmas

Follow The Star

Childlike Excitement

Why is Christmas really celebrated?

Are you going to follow the star?

Have you lost your childlike excitement?

CBNEUROPE.COM

ISSUE 45

CONTENT

04 A Heart For The Lost Teaching

08 The Heart of Christmas Featured

13 Follow The Star Featured

18 Childlike Excitement Featured

20 Global Impact

22 Let Us Adore Him Featured

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R E A C H is a free magazine produced and distributed by CBN Europe to inspire, inform and strengthen your relationship with God. We partner with individuals, churches and organisations in order to share the message of hope in Jesus Christ, provide humanitarian relief and reduce poverty. It is our vision to share the Gospel in a relevant way to all generations and see people walk in their true potential with God. Would you like to support our ministry? Contact us on the numbers provided or visit cbneurope.com/donate.

FROM THE DIRECTOR |

We are the Hope-Bringers Welcome to the December issue of Reach Magazine. We are so thankful to all our partners, who continue to support the vision of CBN across Europe. Your giving really is making it possible for us to take Jesus into every home across the nations.

I often take time at this point in the year to reflect on all that has gone before. We have seen God move in so many miraculous ways. Doors of opportunity have been opening for us to expand the reach of CBN to a wider audience. We have experienced provision, healing and salvation, and praise God for the unity of heart and vision amongst us as we have been building throughout 2019.

We also take a time to look forward to the year ahead, seeking God for His perfect vision for 2020.

As we have been praying as a team, God has impressed the theme of hope upon our hearts. Going forward, we believe that part of our mandate is to be bringers of hope to our world. Like a burning torch in our hands, we take this to our neighbourhoods and the nations.

Christmas is a time where we remember the Messiah stepping into our world, to bring us a message of hope. Matthew 12:21 (TPT) says, “And the fame of his name will birth hope among the people” We pray that this year will be filled with the hope of Jesus. In all the uncertainty that we live in, He remains the anchor we hold to. We are believing that His hope and light might break out and spread the good news of Jesus like signal fires on the mountaintop.

“Go tell it on the mountain over the hills and everywhere.

Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born” On behalf of all our team here at CBN Europe we wish you a peaceful, joyful and blessed Christmas!

Mark Dijkens CBN Europe Regional Director

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LOST A HEART FOR THE

TEACHING | Gordon Robertson Chief Executive Officer

God promises us in Ezekiel 36:26-28, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Th en ... you shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

I send, and who will go for Us?” It’s a call from the throne room of God. It’s a call to leave everything for the sake of the Gospel.

And it’s for everyone.

Here am I! Send me.

These verses are fulfilled through the Messiah, who brought us rebirth and renewal in the Holy Spirit. As Jesus says in John 3:3, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Yet we should also remember that just before the prophecy in Ezekiel, God says in verse 22, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake.”

The reason Jesus came is quite clear.

It is for His name’s sake—for His holiness and His purpose—that He made a way.

As we look at the challenges in our culture today, we can see how much the world needs the Gospel. Millions of people need to know that there is a living God. And the call of Isaiah 6:8 echoes down through the ages: “Whom shall

Who is God looking for?

He is looking for Christians who are ready to say, “I’m here to be an intercessor. I’m here to stand up for righteousness. I want to live for Him with all that I do, as a living sacrifice.

And no matter what the world offers, I want Him.” Jesus commands us in Luke 10:2, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

This isn’t a simple wish toward God—it is begging God for laborers. We need to pray that He will send messengers after His own heart to share the Good News with those who have not heard.

And as we pray, our prayer should get very personal. We need to ask Him to renew our own hearts and give us the desire to answer His call. As Isaiah said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

God bless you (Scriptures taken from NKJV)

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| DEVOTION

Emmanuel Adam Howard Content Coordinator

I love exploring the names of God. There is such a richness to be discovered. In all the circumstances we go through, we can find a facet of God and His nature that covers us.

In financial trouble, He is JehovahJireh; our provider. When troubled, He is Jehovah-Shiloh; our peace. When struggling with health, He is JehovahRapha; our healer.

Divinity wrapped in humanity, dwelling amongst us. Trading the glories of heaven to become like us, so we in turn may become one again with Him. There’s something in it that’s both intimate and that also shows the cry of God’s heart for community.

The Hope of the World entrusted to Mary and Joseph, as the gospel is entrusted to us to carry, nurture and release to the world.

Emmanuel.

God with us.

As we look toward Christmas, I began to think about the names given to Jesus; Prince of Peace, Light of the World, Messiah. In Isaiah 9:6-7 it says, “And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.” (NIV) For me, there is one name that captures my heart the most at this time of year; Emmanuel. God with us.

It’s such a beautiful picture of the heart of Christmas.

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God with Us changes everything. It changes how we walk into work, how we parent our children, how we study at school and how we relationally interact with one another. He isn’t just beside us, but by His spirit He now dwells within us.

The incredible thing about these names and facets of God is that when He operates in one, He doesn’t stop working in the others. So, this Christmas, whatever you need, wherever you are, He is with you; He never stops, and He will always be.

CONNECT WITH US @CBNEUROPE

| FEATURED

The Heart of Christmas Laura Dijkens Digital Media Assistant

I don’t know about you, but December is by far my favorite month of the year!

Something happened that would change the world forever.

It’s a month full of jolly spirits, great food, cozy winter afternoons watching Christmas movies with a mug of hot chocolate – usually overflowing with far too many marshmallows...

Over 2000 years ago, a woman called Mary was visited by an angel and told that she and her husband, Joseph, are to expect a son.

And of course, it’s Christmas!

Many of us have our own Christmas traditions such as picking out and decorating the best tree, filling stockings, cooking roast dinners, opening presents, trying to fit all our family members under one roof and trying to make Christmas day as ‘perfect’ as possible.

There are many different things that make Christmas special and memorable. But sometimes, it can be easy to forget the real purpose and heart behind this holiday. The reality is, as the years have gone by, the most important event to ever happen to our universe has been hijacked for commercial gain. But still, the truth behind Christmas is a truth that can never be forgotten.

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“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” - Luke 1:30-32 (NIV) At the time, nobody could truly understand what the birth of Jesus meant. But what they did know was that the destiny of this baby was HUGE. The birth of Jesus was the hope that everyone was searching for and what the world needed. A Saviour was born.

Jesus, the Light of the World was sent for you. The Father loves you so much that He sent His one and only Son down to earth to do what no other could; set you free. He died for you.

He died for your sins so you could be forgiven and live in the freedom

FEATURED | and grace He so freely offers. He defeated death itself, so you could have eternal life. He was forsaken so you could have a relationship with him. He died for everything that burdens you, so you no longer have to carry the weight.

What Jesus did was beyond comprehension. You may be asking yourself, what did I do to deserve this?

That is the beauty of our God. We don’t deserve it. Yet He loves us so

or understood the truth behind Christmas. I encourage you to share this life-changing truth with them. Let them know what Jesus did for them and how much He loves them.

We are called to share this truth with the nations, and that starts with your next-door neighbour, colleague, and friend.

Forget the socks and boxes of chocolates; Jesus is the best gift you could give to someone this Christmas.

Over 2000 years ago, a Saviour was born much that he did it anyway. His love for you is relentless, unconditional, and deeper than any love that has ever existed or will ever exist. Nothing can stop his love for you.

And He doesn’t just stop there. God calls you His child. He calls you beloved. He knows you. He knew how many hairs would be on your head today, at the beginning of time!

He knows you better than you know yourself. He knitted you together in your mother’s womb and made no mistakes. He looks at you like a proud father.

Over 2000 years ago, a Saviour was born to give you life.

Maybe you know someone that has not heard of Jesus before

This Christmas take some time to remember why we really celebrate this holiday. Remember what Jesus did for you and take some time to thank Him. He loves to spend time with you, His beloved child.

Ways You Can 3 Practical Share Jesus This Christmas Hospitality

Invite them over, spend quality time with them just as Jesus did!

Generosity

Give them a gift and share with them the heart behind giving; Jesus!

Invite

Invite them to an event, church or home group this Christmas!

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| DEVOTION

The 12 Days of Christmas Adam Howard Content Coordinator

Did You Know?

What Does it Actually Mean?

I love watching QI on the BBC. It’s full of quirky facts and nuggets of information. So, with Christmas around the corner, and in the spirit of QI, I thought I’d share some ‘quite interesting’ trivia.

My True Love and the Partridge in a Pear Tree these both are representations of Jesus. The partridge perhaps most significantly, because it’s a bird that will sacrifice its life to save its children.

Two Turtle Doves – these represent the Old and New Testaments.

Three French Hens Represent faith, hope and love.

Four Calling Birds The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five Gold Rings The Pentateuch; the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six Geese a-Laying The six days of creation.

Seven Swans a-Swimming The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Eight Maids a-Milking The eight Beatitudes.

Nine Ladies Dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Ten Lords a-Leaping The Ten Commandments.

Eleven Pipers Piping The eleven faithful Apostles.

Twelve Drummers Drumming Represent the twelve points of belief in the Apostle’s Creed.

The Origins During the historical persecution of the Catholic church in England, practicing believers were forbidden from openly engaging in their religion.

In order to maintain beliefs and reinforce Catholic teachings to their children, this song, The 12 Days of Christmas, was written.

When you dig deeper into the meaning behind each of the lines, it gives a pretty good outline to the faith. Plus, it could be publicly sung leaving the Protestant oppressor at the time, none the wiser.

So, as you gather next time around the fire to sing this song, you’ll have a new appreciation for the lyrics and, of course, some great insight to wow your guests with.

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With your generosity, CBN brings hope and relief to those in need, as an expression of God’s unfailing love.

Join the mission & become a partner at cbneurope.com/partners

| TESTIMONIES

There is such power in testimony, and it is always an honour to discover what God is doing in peoples’ lives through the work of our prayer centre. With every story of faith, we celebrate God at work and are so encouraged. We hope you will be too.

Healing Praise report! One of our Prayer Team prayed for a lady who was in terrible pain. Today she is completely free of pain. She wanted to make sure we knew that she has been healed. She said she felt love and compassion of Jesus as she was praying. Praise the Lord!

Salvation A caller rang during their morning train commute to ask for prayer. Whilst on the call she gave her heart and life to Jesus. She then asked to pray for everyone else on the train for their salvation too! She felt God had wrapped His arms around her.

Provision We recently received this inspiring story from one of our amazing Partners: “On the 2nd September I had a call from CBN UK asking if I needed prayer which was good timing as I really did. I had to give up a job as they were corrupt so needed prayer for provision. I was given Deuteronomy 31:8 which has really helped me.”

“On the 7th September, my wife and I were due to start our 2nd year at Bible college and we didn’t have the money as it was either food or fees. In faith, we went anyway and joined the queue to pay for our first month still not knowing whether it would be food or fees. In the end, it was going to have to be fees but when I got to the front of the queue they said: “your 1st term has been paid by someone else”. What a blessing as it wasn’t just the first month, it was the first term. Thank you CBN for your timely call for prayer.”

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| FEATURED

Follow The Star Adam Howard Content Coordinator

I’ve always been intrigued by the story of the ‘wise men’. A group of people who saw something beyond their own world and decided to embark on a journey without clear time scales or direction. Perhaps there is something of that adventuring spirit in us as followers of Christ?

There is much theological debate as to when the men arrived, if there were more than three and so on, but I’m not going to focus the attention here.

Instead, let’s look at the story from a different perspective. What can we learn about our walk with Jesus from this well-known story?

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

- Matthew 2:9-10 (NIV) What was it that made these men arise from their homes and travel vast distances? I’m not sure that they truly grasped the reality of what

was taking place. They recognised something in the appearance of the star that informed their decision to move. Sometimes we recognise a significance in a moment or encounter, but don’t fully understand the consequence of it until later. As I read this story, I prayed that I would see it through different lenses. The words began to come alive from the page in front of me. I began to see some key traits within these men and how it relates to us as people who follow Jesus today.

Inconvenienced for the Cause Firstly, they were willing to step out of their everyday routine and surrounding to follow something greater. We often live busy lives with full schedules, and it can be difficult to operate with any type of flexibility.

When life throws a curve ball, how much does it upset your routine? Are we willing to step out of the ordinary pattern and walk with our eyes lifted to the things

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| FEATURED

Follow The Star around us? Can God ‘inconvenience’ you as you go about your day? Maybe the diary is so full of stuff that we miss the opportunities to just ‘be’.

Their belief in the bigger cause was the motivation for them to change the pattern, pack up their camels and head into the unknown and uncharted territory. I want to be open to the prompting to change my pattern for His opportunity this Christmas.

Focused in Their Objective They were clear about the journey ahead. I think that we can confidently assume that every night as the stars came out, they took out their telescopes and found the star again in the sky. They made sure that the path ahead was heading in the right direction. Even as they rode, I wonder whether they periodically glanced up to see the star above them. Maybe they even burst into a rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to pass the time. But throughout the trip they would have known where the star was and been completely committed to outcome. I don’t know where you are right now, but I admit that my focus is not always in the right place.

My eyes getting diverted by other things. It can be so

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easy at this time of year to be caught in the sparkle of the commercial, but I pray that this year will be different.

That our eyes may be fixed upon the true heart of Christmas; Jesus.

Unrelenting in Their Pursuit

Scholars dispute the timescales of the wise men’s journey, but one thing we can agree on is that it wasn’t a short trip. Wherever they came from, it would have taken a long time to complete the journey. I am sure that there would have been times of tiredness along the way. Maybe even a diversion of some kind or a replacement bus service due to leaves on the line!

Whatever happened, they didn’t stop walking. Whatever the weather, they kept on going. With their goal in focus, their will kicks in and they keep on trucking. As the year comes to an end, you may be feeling a little more reflective; taking stock of what has been and looking toward what lies ahead. Let me encourage you in two things; one, don’t forget to celebrate the distance you have come this year; and two, commit to keep travelling.

You may not be where you need to be yet, but you are not where you were; and that is something to celebrate.

FEATURED |

Generous in Their Giving When they arrived at the destination, the wise men didn’t hold back in their generosity. They gave abundantly.

The journey itself would have been costly. Not just financially, but with time and resource too. Even so, that didn’t stop them giving their best when faced with the baby in the manger. They trusted in the significance of the star, over what they physically saw in that stable and allowed that to inform their generosity.

Sometimes our giving is based upon the perception of something rather than the significance of it.

This Christmas, I pray that we might be willing to step out of our dayto-day and into the uncharted, ‘inconvenience’ of an encounter with God. I pray that we might be focused on Jesus and committed to journeying through life with Him. And I pray that we might be generous people in this season; generous in love, hospitality, time, grace; as well as with our gifts.

Christmas is the time we celebrate the greatest gift ever given to us. A time where we remember the moment where divinity became humanity, so we might be released from our slavery.

Here’s the thing; a star still shines today; Jesus, the Bright Morning Star is still blazing in the heavens.

The question is,

ARE YOU GOING TO FOLLOW? About The Wise Men 2 Facts You Maybe Did Not Know They Were Called Magi

The Biblical Magi were also reffered to as ‘the 3 wise men’ or ‘the 3 kings’.

What is Myrrh?

The wise men brought Jesus Myrrh. It’s used in the sacred oils used to anoint kings and priests. It was likely one of the scents in the olive oil burned in the menorah in Hebrew temples.

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| SUPERBOOK

Learning About Forgiveness

Johanna accepted Jesus into her heart after watching Superbook Johanna (8) and her mum, from Buckinghamshire, love to watch Superbook together. We had the chance to sit with them and discover their Superbook journey.

One day, Johanna’s mum gave her something that would change her life forever.

“I watched an episode of Superbook where they had interviewed a young boy from South America.” mum recalls, “He talked about the impact that Superbook has in his life. It was so profound...I thought, oh my gosh, I can’t wait to get this for Johanna!”

Johanna loved it too and hasn’t stopped watching.

Through Superbook she has learned about the forgiveness of God and how He sent His Son to die for our sins.

Johanna said, “One morning I woke up and asked my mummy, ‘Did Jesus die on the cross?’

She told me, yes.”

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After watching the crucifixion story, Johanna realised that she needed to confess her sin and give her life to Jesus. Not only did she ask for forgiveness, but she also said the salvation prayer from the card inside the DVD pack sent by CBN. “I found it [the card] and read it.” said Johanna. “It said to sign it if you give your life to God. And I signed it.”

Today, Johanna continues to watch Superbook and her mum partners with CBN to take Superbook even further. Mum says, “I partner with CBN because I have seen the value of Superbook. Not just in my daughters’ life, but in the lives of her cousins and their friends who watch too. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a blessing; to reach people that you will probably never meet. I am sowing and investing into the next generation.”

Do You Need Prayer?

Call Us!

We have an incredible team waiting to pray with you and encourage you in your walk with Jesus at the other end of the phone!

0300 561 0700 (UK) 01513 3738 (ROI) +44 207 101 7045 (Int) 07833 993 924 (WhatsApp)

| FEATURED

Childlike Excitement Emily Barton Communications Coordinator

There is nothing quite as magical as being a child at Christmas time. The advent calendar, the presents, feeling like a celebrity because you were a ‘very important’ sheep in the nativity.

There is such purity in the excitement of a child, but as we grow, those things start to lose their magic.

Advent calendars turn to bowls of muesli; socks turn out to be very practical gifts and the thought of making a sheep costume sends shudders down spines of parents across the globe. As dull as those things sound, the majority of people accept these things as simply being a part of “growing up”.

Much like the well-known tale of Peter Pan, I refuse to grow up.

Now I’m not about to run off to Neverland and leave my life behind, as tempting as that sounds! We all go through the process; moving out, employment, paying the bills, the food shop and the wonderful (and neverending task) of housework. Growing is never something to resent or attempt to avoid. God is

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very clear about how he desires us to thrive and mature.

In Colossians 2, Paul talks about us being “Firmly rooted, built up and established in faith”. It’s biblical for us to grow up! However, when we grow up, how often do we lose that spark, that excitement?

This can relate to our spiritual walk with Jesus too. You fall in love with our Saviour; you run free, you discover His Goodness and mercy, and then you blink. Before you know it, you’ve been a Christian for 40 years. You’ve read the Bible back to front multiple times and you pray all the time. But the spark has gone. The Bible doesn’t jump to life like it used to. Your prayers seem less passionate than at first. The worship song that used to bring you to your knees is simply another song to sing. It’s frustrating, it hurts, and it’s nothing like it used to be.

Yes, it is biblical to grow up, but it has never been God’s design for us to lose our wonder.

Matthew 18 says, “Truly I tell you, if

FEATURED | you do not change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven”.

When I was a little girl, there was no one I loved more than my father (sorry, Mum). No one could make things better like my Dad could. If I wanted something, I knew my dad would give it to me. More importantly, whatever I really needed, my Dad would provide for me.

As I have grown up, I have needed my Dad less and less. I don’t need Him to tie my shoelaces, or hold me when I’m sad, although it does help!

heads when things don’t go our way.

God is so clear about us not leaning on our own understanding but trusting in Him. Asking for His help, even if we’ve done it a million times.

This Christmas season, I implore you to do 2 things: 1) Grow Read His word, meditate on it. Allow the Lord to minister to your heart.

Learn from the mistakes you have made, dust yourself off and head into battle once more, taller and stronger than you were before.

Rip open the wrapping paper and forget about the mess.

I simply don’t need my Father in the way I used to as a child. However, I know for a fact, that if I did need my dad to do something for me, he would be there in a heartbeat.

It’s the same with our Heavenly Father! When we first start our journey with The Lord, we are learning new things all the time. We learn how to pray, how to read and meditate on His word, and how to stand up against the enemy.

Over time, we grow in our faith and become accustomed to the ways of God and unknowingly, begin to shut Him out. We think we can do things ourselves, we think “I’ve been doing this for years” and then scratch our

2) Find your inner child again Seek the Father, climb up onto his lap and ask. Re-connect with that child-like faith, with awe and wonder.

Ask for the things you desire, the things you would circle in your Argos catalogue; the things that make you giddy. Rip open the wrapping paper and forget about the mess!

Seek your Heavenly Father.

He’s waiting to hear the voice of His child again.

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| GLOBAL IMPACT OPERATION BLESSING

You Helped Desperate Villagers A Parched village Rejuvenated.

In Cambodia, you improved the quality of life for men, women and children living in a small farming community! During the dry season, life was extremely difficult for these villagers. “Water dried up quickly,” said Mrs Yeik. “I could do nothing,” added Hat. They were forced to depend on contaminated water from open wells and hand-dug ponds. As a result, many suffered from water-related illnesses.

Because of you, CBN’s Operation Blessing drilled a 98-foot deep well providing clean water to thirsty villagers! Mrs Chem is grateful: “You have helped provide for our physical needs and have made it possible for us to improve our livelihood.”

At the well dedication ceremony, Pastor Cheourn prayed and shared the message of Jesus. Your generosity brought the gift of Living Water to those in need.

CBN MICROENTERPRISE

Fighting for His Family You helped a single father provide for his daughters.

Every afternoon, Lin Yuan and her sister would go outside and pick wildflowers together—not to decorate their dinner table, but to help prepare the family meal.

Their loving father would boil the freshly picked flowers in a hot bitter soup. After the girls’ mother tragically died, Mr Ma became sick and was unable to work in the fields like he once used to. As a result, it meant little food for his daughters, and it broke his heart that he could not provide for them. If only he could afford

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GLOBAL IMPACT |

a bull to pull his plough, he could support his two children so much better. Out of desperation, he cried out to the Lord in prayer, “Jesus, if You can hear me, help me!” The Lord used you to answer his prayer.

One day, his uncle found out about CBN’s ministry in China and connected him with our staff. And caring partners like you provided the bull that he desperately needed. Because of your generosity, Mr Ma also received cows to start a small business and nutritious staple food for the family. “God brought CBN to help us,” cried an extremely grateful Mr Ma. “Without you, my children would still be starving.”

UK FLOODING RELIEF

You have Given Flood Victims Hope Helping to restore lives.

As you may have seen in the news, there have recently been floods across Herefordshire and the surrounding counties and we found ourselves right at the epicentre. Floodwater rose to just over a metre at the entrance gates to the CBN building and neighbouring homes have been left devastated.

Many of our staff spent a whole week leaving their desks to help flood victims, particularly the elderly and disabled who couldn’t manage themselves. We have also been able to pray with victims and share the love of Jesus.

Please pray for all affected by these floods and those in Yorkshire, that God will give them peace in this troubled time and give them all the provision they need to restore their lives.

Thank you to all who donated to support the victims. We have been able to clean out homes, hire skips to remove debris and bought 1 ton of sandbags to protect homes against future flooding. Your generosity has made a massive difference!

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| FEATURED

Let Us Adore Him Allen Carter Partner Relations Manager

At Christmas, the carol “Oh come let us adore Him” is sung throughout many homes, schools and churches. It’s so easy to sing along to the melody, but I wonder how many people stop to consider the meaning of the words they are singing?

The word adore isn’t a word that is used too frequently these days.

Webster’s Dictionary describes it as, “to worship or honour, admiration and devotion.”

The Christmas story is one of adoration and worship or as someone has coined the phrase “worth-ship”.

The stable scene was a place where the shepherds first experienced for themselves the most simplistic form of worship. It’s interesting that the angels first revealed themselves to the shepherds while keeping watch over their flocks. It demonstrates the heart of the gospel to seek and to save those who are lost. In society at the time, these shepherds were one of the lowest classes and were often overlooked and even dismissed.

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“And the angel said to

them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 Little did these ‘ordinary’ shepherds realise what was about to take place and that it would change the course of their lives for good. It was gathered around the manger that they would find their true worth and identity.

Notice the words, “unto you is born a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord”; that includes you and me.

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things,

FEATURED | pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” - Luke 2:15 – 20 I would love to have witnessed this scene. From being scared and frightened on the hillside to hastily ushered, unprepared before the Saviour of the World. I can only imagine the thoughts and emotions that they were feeling. How did we end up here? Is this real or are we

enquired what time the star had appeared? He then sent them to Bethlehem, saying go and search for the child and said, “When you have found him, bring me word that I too may come and worship him.” Matthew 2:1-8 (Paraphrased) Worship isn’t something that can be manipulated or manufactured but is something that comes from a grateful heart. King Herod’s motive was selfish and self-centred. Although his words seemed to ring true, the thoughts and

Unto you is born a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord dreaming? I think you would agree this day would be a day that they would never forget.

We don’t know the response of these shepherds, but I’m sure that adoration and worship was the focal point. The baby Jesus was no ordinary baby but the Saviour, Christ the Lord. Can you imagine the conversations that they would have had among themselves?

They had encountered the promised Messiah! Then returning to the hillside, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen.

“Later, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem inquiring “where is he who has been born king of the Jews. For we saw his star when it rose, and we have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard these things, he was troubled and

intentions of his heart were evil and deceptive.

The wise men continued to follow the star until it rested over the place where Jesus was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2 10-11 The wise men fell to their knees and worshipped him. They honoured and adored him. They devoted themselves in reverence to the Saviour. This demonstration of adoration was not a selfish, self-centred act, but a response to His presence.

They longed to spend time

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| FEATURED with Him. They continued by opening their treasure, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts were costly, but they flowed out of a grateful, thankful heart.

So, what is our response to the Saviour this Christmas? Are we captivated by the wonder of God’s gift to us; filled with thankfulness and worship?

In the words of In the Bleak MidWinter; What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb If I were a wise man, I would do my

part. But what I can I give him? Give him my heart.

This Christmas take time out of your busy schedule and spend some quality time and give Him you heart. Thank God for His love gift to the world and seek His presence continually. Choose to put Christ back into your Christmas and give Him the rightful place that He deserves.

(Scriptures taken from ESV)

WAYS TO WATCH |

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For further listings, please visit cbneurope. com/tvguide Missed it? Catch up online anytime at www.700club.tv

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Superbook teaches timeless moral truths through the Bible-based

Gospel Channel (Sky 586) Monday - Sunday at 6:30am

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‘For God, who said, “Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,” is the one who has cascaded His light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ.’

- 2Corinthians 4:6 (TPT)