The First Baptist EvangelDecember 24, 2017

Advent

First Baptist Church of West Point is seeking to be a caring community of faith under the leadership of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Celebrating the presence and love of God in Worship, Nourishing persons in faith and discipleship, and Reaching Out to the community with Christ’s unconditional Love.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, © 2001, 2006 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Unless otherwise stated.)

Today’s Advent reading is from Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Second Edition (NLT-SE) copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

CCLI #2561039

Hearing assistance devices are available for your use. Ask for one at the sound booth.

WelcomeWe welcome you to worship at First Baptist this morning. Please help us be more

faithful in our ministry to you, and get to know you better, by taking the time to put your name on the attendance pad found on your pew.

Visitors, please feel free to leave as little or as much of the information requested on the pad. We promise to only contact you if you ask us to, and to only send information as you request.

Members, if you have had a change to your mailing address, email, or telephone number please let us know by supplying that information on the pad.

Please Especially Note for Today…

Work on the sanctuary walls is underway to repair water damage. Please excuse our mess.

Our Offering for International Missions has begun. See page 12 for more information.

End of the year contributions need to be received into the church office by December 31st.

Giving envelopes for 2018 are located in the Café. Pick yours up today.

Hearing assistance devices are now available for your individual benefit. If you would like to try one speak with Robert or David at the sound booth.

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Weekly Schedule of Activities

Sunday, December 24th

9:30—Worship

Monday, December 25th

OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, December 26th

OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday, December 31st 9:30—Worship

Ministry Leaders

Nursery Workers Today: Karen Hill Next Sunday: Dianne Hester January 7: Jane Abercrombie

PEW Ministry Leaders Today: Debra & Joe Downs Next Sunday: Donny & Jerri Bolton January 7: Jeri Smith & Payem Suleman

Offertory Prayer Leader Today: Frances Reeves Next Sunday: George Hester January 7: Chuck Smith

Joe Hill is responsible for the opening and closing of the church during the month of December followed by Linda Combs in January

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The unfolding of your words gives light;

it imparts understanding to the simple.

—Psalm 119:130

PRELUDE ADULT HANDBELLS “Silent Night”

For your meditation: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

—Romans 10:17

THE CHIMING OF THE HOUR HANDBELLS PREPARING FOR WORSHIP TOM TUCKER

ENTERING INTO GOD’S PRESENCE ADVENT CALL TO WORSHIP BRIAN, LEIANNE & MARY COWART

We look for light but find only darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light.

No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the LORD your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

—from Isaiah 60:1–3, 19

HYMN OF PRAISE (#94) REGENT SQUARE “Angels, from the Realms of Glory”

INVOCATION TOM TUCKER GREETING THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. —1 Timothy 1:2

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

HYMN (#89) ADESTE FIDELES “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

PSALM JACKSON TUCKER Isaiah 9:1–7

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

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December 24, 2017 9:30 AM Fourth Sunday of Advent

Celebrating the Presence and Love of God in Worship

but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN (#106) W ZLOBIE LEZY “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”

MISSIONS MOMENT FRANCES REEVES OFFERTORY HYMN (#88) MENDELSSOHN

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

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OFFERTORY PRAYER FRANCES REEVES OFFERTORY ANTHEM PHOEBE GRABEN

“Breath of Heaven” OFFERTORY RESPONSE “Doxology” OLD 100TH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

(Children ages 3-5 may leave for PEW Ministry during this hymn.)

GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION TOM TUCKER THE GOSPEL LESSON JOE DOWNS

Luke 2:1–20 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world

should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 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.” 16 And they went with

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haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

SERMON TOM TUCKER “The Message of Christmas”

MEDITATION ON THE WORD PROCLAIMED AFFIRMATION OF FAITH CONGREGATION

I believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit;

the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

—The Apostles’ Creed

MUSICAL MEDITATION RON MURPHY “The Night Before Christmas”

THE LORD’S SUPPER WORDS OF INSTITUTION TOM TUCKER

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord

Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after

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supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & THE LORD’S PRAYER TOM TUCKER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

PREPARING THE BREAD AND THE CUP TOM TUCKER OBSERVANCE OF HOLY COMMUNION

(We welcome all baptized Christians who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and are members of congregations that proclaim the gospel to receive holy communion with us. If you are not able to receive communion, please use this time to pray and to consider the Lord’s call to follow Him.)

HYMN OF THANKSGIVING (#91) STILLE NACHT “Silent Night, Holy Night”

DEPARTING TO SERVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND REACHING OUT

• Prayerfully consider your gift toward the Offering for International Missions.

• Giving envelopes for 2018 are located in the Café. THE PARTING WORDS

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him.

In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome

it. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen

his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

—from John 1:1-5, 9, 14

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BENEDICTION TOM TUCKER May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen.

—Romans 15:1

POSTLUDE RON MURPHY

The pastor is available after the service at the front of the sanctuary for anyone who would like to talk more about today’s message, learn about faith in Christ, or for prayer. You may also make an appointment by calling the church office at 706-645-2969 or emailing him directly at tucker@fbcwestpoint.com.

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Sermon Notes “The Message of Christmas”

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Caring for One Another

As you intercede for others this week please lift up these particular concerns from here in our own congregation.

This Week’s Prayer

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to me, I pray. Cast out my sin, and enter in; be born in me today. I hear the Christmas angels, the great, glad message tell. O come to me, abide with me, My Lord Immanuel. Amen.

—Lewis H. Redner, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” adapted

Work on the sanctuary walls is underway with the first phase—the removal the plaster—completed. The plan is to now leave the underlying brick exposed for some time to allow for drying and to insure all leaks have been repaired. Please bear with this process.

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• Mildred Shaver • William & Margaret Breedlove • Margaret Bartlett • Lillian Barber • Mary Clark & family • Richard & Pat Kemp • George Hester • Justin Graben • Roger Hales • Jackie Jones

• Randall Smith • Vi Hudmon • Paul Fiquette • Howard & Suzanne Bryan • Johnie Johnson • Family of Beverly Boehm • Marc Curry • Catherine Curry • Chuck, Noelle & Elliott Peek

Nourishing Persons in Faith and Discipleship

The Offering for International Missions is underway. Over the past few years we have steadily increased our giving in this area exceeding our set goal each year! We have set our goal this year for $4,000. To date we have received $3,571.10. Our offering will run through Advent and Christmas, ending on Epiphany Sunday, January 7th.

Remember, every cent of this offering goes to missionaries serving in countries around the world. What a wonderful way to take part in Christ’s command to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.

Together we can change our world as we share our love for Christ through giving.

A wedding shower for Jessica Bolton and Matt Oswald will be given on Thursday, December 28th by Joe and Debra Downs. Everyone is invited to drop in between 4:00 and 8:00 PM. The Down’s address is 102 Old Wells Road. The couple is registered at Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Amazon.

End of the year contributions will need to be received in the church office by December 31st.

Giving envelopes for 2018 are located in the Café. Did you know that the church provides you with a giving record each year? This record can help you when it comes to filing your taxes and is a good way to prayerfully review your giving. To aid with this everyone is given a unique envelope number. This helps the financial secretary keep track of what you give and when, and is why the church provides you with giving envelopes each year. Pick up your personal box today.

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Reaching Out with Christ’s Unconditional Love

In Memory of Grace Scott By: Linda Combs

In Memory of Joe and Barbara Atkinson By: Julie Atkinson Bruckner

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The Bulletin Board

May the miracle of

Christmas fill your heart

with Joy and Peace!

Everyone is invited to a

Wedding Shower Honoring

Jessica Bolton & Matt Oswald

Thursday, December 28th

Drop in from 4:00-8:00 PM at the home of

Joe and Debra Downs 102 Old Wells Rd

West Point

January Birthdays   1—Stephen Bolton 1—Suleman Suleman 6—Peyam Suleman 13—Sarah Frazer 13—Charles Smith III 17—Donny Bolton 17—Phoebe Graben 17—Mikki Dallas 23—Laine Dallas 25—Chuck Smith 26—Joe Downs 31—Kelli Head

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Church StaffDr. Thomas J. Tucker, Pastor tucker@fbcwestpoint.com

Mrs. Patti Scalf, Church Secretary patti@fbcwestpoint.com

Mrs. Jane Abercrombie, Financial Secretary jane@fbcwestpoint.com

Mr. Randall Smith, Church Accompanist

www.fbcwestpoint.com706-645-2969 P.O. Box 147

301 E 8th Street West Point, GA 31833