Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
The amazing love of God has been revealed through the incarnation of Christ. On Sunday I commented about this after the lighting of the 4th Advent Candle. The love of Christ needs to be evident among us as God’s people. Christian love means doing the right thing towards others. This is Christ’s command, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
The shepherds heard the angels say, “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJV)Goodwill is an attitude of seeking the highest good for you brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul wrote, “3 Do nothing from selfishness orempty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:3-5 NASV) I am reading Dr Caroline Leaf’s book, “Switch on your brain” and she comments, “Attitude is a state of mind – a thought plus its attached emotions – and it influences what you say and do.” (Page 161) This is also why we are instructed in Philippians 4:8, “8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.
The twin messages, peace and goodwill, give such a depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Saviour has come bringing forgiveness and hope. He deserves all the worship we can give Him May your Christmas be filled with peace and goodwill.
Please join us on Christmas Eve, 24 December at 16:00 for a family service with Carol singing. On Christmas Eve, the pickup from Rüschlikon station will be at 15:50, return by private car (i.e. get a ride down to the station with someone at the service). Christmas Day is normal pickup and return. On Christmas Day at 10:30 we celebrate Christ’s coming, in worship and by hearing a message from God’s Word. Please join us at these services, and we encourage you to stay for fellowship afterwards. We will have traditional (English) fruit mince pies on Christmas Eve.
Bruce Davie, Pastor/Elder IBCZ
We wish you a blessed Christmas and Christ-filled New Year – from Pastor Bruce and Shirley, the Elders, and their wives together with the Deacons and their families.
