Hi EBC Family,
We all love birth announcements. And with social media birth announcements can be posted within minutes after the arrival of the child. But there was one birth announcement that was earlier than that. I mean, it was really early. It was sent before the birth, like 700 years prior.
Isaiah 9:6 says, “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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
No earthly king could fit the description here in these verses. In verse 7 it says of this king that “there will be no end.” This prophecy must go beyond any king in that day or any other human king to come. This baby has four different names each telling us what he will do.
The one born will be called Wonderful Counselor. More accurately, it should be translated, “The wonder of a counselor.” The first word, wonder qualifies the second word, counselor. He will also be called, the Mighty God. It is one thing to have wise counsel from someone, but that person may not be able to do anything about your problem. It is another matter completely to find the wonder of a counselor who is also competent and capable to do something about your situation.
He is the Everlasting Father. This title might be a little confusing at first pass. We don’t often refer to the second person of the triune God as Father. Some background here might help. In ancient near east, a ruler or king was often viewed as a father to his people. It suggested protection. In the same way, this child, the Lord Jesus would be the people’s protector. He would care for his people. Everlasting speaks more to his continue care that never comes to an end rather than a reference to his eternal being. It isn’t a temporal rule or care, but permanent.
Lastly, he is called the Prince of Peace. Does peace describe our time? As you look into the eyes of people you pass each day, do you see peacefulness? Take time to meditate on these words this Christmas season.
Don’t forget to join us for our Christmas Eve celebration this Thursday night @ 6:00 by remote. Also, don’t forget our change to one service, beginning this Sunday at 10:45. We are doing this on a temporary basis, due to the ever-changing Covid landscape and its impact on our in-person numbers right now.
Church, stay encouraged! Jesus is the wonder of a counselor who can guide us with the wisdom of God. He is the mighty God who has the power to break those chains weighing us down through life. He is the father who cares for us with a love that never ends. He is the Prince of peace whose peace transcends our circumstances and conflict.
Praise the one born king who was nailed to the cross, rose from the dead, and reigns forever!
Blessings to you, church! Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Love Made Known
1 John 4:7-16
Link to This Sunday Worship Service
Christmas Eve Service
This year we will have a virtual Christmas Eve Service. A separate email will go out with the YouTube link and worship guide. We look forward to worshipping with you at 6pm
Change in Service
Beginning this Sunday 12/27, we will be temporarily going to one service at 10:45am.
Our livestream will also be at 10:45 am as well. Nursery will be provided
Giving Envelopes
2021 giving envelopes will be located at the back of the sanctuary Sunday mornings. If you are unable to make it to church to pick up your envelopes, please contact Corianne at the office to coordinate a time to pick up.
EBC Kids
Due to a lack of help and teachers, EBC kids will be suspended until further notice. If you would like to help serve in this ministry, as a teacher or a helper, please contact Victoria Mansfield: victoriayasharianmansfield@gmail.com
Nursery will still be provided during service.
EBC Directory
t’s time to update our directory! We have lots of new people here at EBC and we want to stay connected!
Please complete this google form HERE with your information so we can include you in the updated directory. If you do not want your information shared in the directory, please complete the form and note that this information is for the office only. Bette Moreau sends out birthday cards to all who call EBC home and she would like to update her birthday list as well.
EBC Cancellations
In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services at Evangelical Baptist Church, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, the timing of the weather event, and whether roads/walkways/parking areas are/will be cleared
A decision would be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or more of our services. Events in the afternoon or evening would be dealt with separately. EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV, Church website news feed: www.laconiachurch.com, Email (weekly epistle email list) and EBC’s public and private Facebook page
Masks Required
Just a reminder we are asking that you please wear a mask when entering or leaving the building. You may remove the mask once seated.
Giving
You can continue to give either online on our website www.laconiachurch.com
Prayer and Praise
If you have any prayer requests or needs, please email Corianne at: corianne@ebclaconia.com