Ottawa-wide Christmas Worship Service, Canada
- by WMD
- Dec 07, 2011
- 836 reads
“FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN”
Isaiah 9:1-7
Key verse 6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Dear friends and coworkers in Christ Jesus,
We give thanks to God for blessing our recent Ottawa-wide Christmas worship service. The theme of the service was “For To Us a Child Is Born.” We studied the prophecy of the birth of Jesus through Isaiah 9:1-7. The worship service was held in the auditorium of Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada, with 28 attendees from Ottawa UBF (serving Carleton University) and Rideau UBF (serving University of Ottawa). Louisa (Carleton U., 4th year) presided over the service.
Several special music programs opened our hearts to welcome and praise the Baby Jesus: a Christmas medley by Ottawa UBF brothers and sisters, a special worship dance by Ottawa UBF sisters, a flute/violin duet, a brass duet, and a chorus from Rideau UBF singing “O Holy Night.”
A Christmas activity led by Dana Brinkerhoff—which was a kind-of quiz or game-show format—reminded us of the historical background of Isaiah's prophecy and the details of Jesus' birth. Joshua Brinkerhoff delivered a simple but clear message, explaining that although this world is darkened by sin, by people's fear, and by uncertainty, Jesus' birth brings great light because he is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Joshua himself shared how Jesus gave him joy and peace in the midst of his PhD studies and poor job prospects. Through the message, we were deeply moved by Jesus' grace and welcomed him as our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. An offering was collected and will be sent to Thailand to aid in disaster relief because of the floods experienced there this year. We concluded the Christmas worship service with a joyful reception, and we enjoyed eating delicious food prepared by the prayer mothers of Ottawa and Rideau UBF. We give thanks to God for blessing our Christmas service with one clear word of God that the Baby Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace! May God bless all the remaining Christmas services worldwide and fill you with the joy, peace, and grace of Jesus' birth. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Joshua Brinkerhoff
On behalf of Ottawa/Rideau UBF chapters
