They were terrified!  I imagine that they probably thought this was the end. They were the lowly, the despised, the dirty, the outcasts. They were poorly paid, barely making it through, possibly from questionable backgrounds and this was the last resort. They were Shepherds.  And as the Angel appeared to them and majestic glory enveloped them… they were terrified! “We have had it now!”.

However, the first thing spoken to them was “Do not be afraid” And the message was astounding… Good news, great joy, for all!  Today, a Savior born TO YOU. And what a Savior, Christ the anointed one, the Messiah, the long awaited one, the rescuer… the Lord.

But what this says about God is even more astounding. He comes to the lowly, the unexpected, the down-trodden, those who can’t get it together, those who have failed, to those covered in the filth of their sin and wrong-doings and bad choices, he comes to those and he welcomes us in!  That means that any of us can come to him, that means it’s not based on our own effort or track-record or goodness but on his love and grace and mercy. That means that today, for any who feel like they have blown it and are too far gone - Jesus is here for you and for me!

The message filled the skies that there was peace for all men and the favor of God resting on mankind. And the response to all this news was obvious for the shepherds - “Let’s go and see!”

Come and see! Come and see this Christmas… hurry like the shepherds, don’t let anything else delay you, don’t let anything else distract you, come! Then stop… stop your hurrying, pause, get still, kneel in humbled adoration at this Savior born for us! Come and see, come and look, come and gaze and respond to him, worshipping him, being changed by him. 

This Christmas, come and see and may our eyes be opened to behold him and be changed by him. This glory has changed the world. This glory will keep on shaping and changing and bringing life to the world. Jesus - God to the rescue, Emmanuel - God with us! 

Come and join us this Sunday and experience this Jesus! Love to all,

Andrew

(pastor/team leader at Kootenay Christian Fellowship)

Advent

We will be lighting the 4th Advent Candle which resembles Love and have some time to reflect on scripture related to this.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10.30am.

Free Community Christmas eve meal at ODB/KCF

All are welcome for a traditional turkey Christmas meal at 520 Falls Street, on Wednesday, Dec 24 at 1pm. If you would like to volunteer or donate please contact or send etransfers to odb@odboffice.com. There will be a volunteer sign up sheet at the church on Sunday.

Tithes and Offerings – Year End Giving

Those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings and consider final year end contributions (during this time, it is very much appreciated) it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website via PayPal, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. Thank you for your continued giving to the church with your tithes and generous offerings.

The Lookout

The Lookout space for our vibrant children’s ministry is now being used! A big thank you to all who have contributed time and resources to make this happen.

There remains a need for financial support. You can help and leave a legacy for generations to come. Please consider financial donations of any amount. Please etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com or provide a cheque or cash at the office marked children. Thank you.

Celebrate Recovery

For anyone with Hurts, Hang ups or Habits.

A Christ-centered 12 Step Recovery Program

Are you ready to embark on a journey of real and lasting change?

Tuesdays, 7pm at the Lookout, 520 Falls Street.

Inquiries to Calvin – spring.10@hotmail.com

Food Bank

Our Food Bank is in regular operation every Thursday from 9 to 11am!

We are always accepting donations of non-perishable food items, so feel free to drop items off that have been lingering in your cupboards.

Volunteers are needed Thursdays from 8:30 – 11:10am. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tyler Bethune at odb@odboffice.com.

Our Daily Bread

If God is leading you to help someone not be hungry, to have a safe place to go for community, and to experience the love of God, please consider Volunteering or sending Our Daily Bread a financial gift today.

Etransfer: odb@odboffice.com

Here is a video link that captures the heart of ODB. We hope you can take a moment to click on the link and watch it. We also invite you to share this link everywhere. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf

Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator