Dear Church,
It’s been fun over the past few Sundays, during the 9:15 Equip Hour, to take a careful look at a few classic Christmas hymns. Charles Wesley’s Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is definitely among the most beloved and profound:
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see
Hail th'incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
The song puts music and poetry to the astounding truth that the whole fullness of deity dwells in the flesh of the God-man, Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Col. 2:9). God the Son was pleased, for us and for our salvation, to assume a human nature and dwell among us (Phil. 2:6–7). He is God with us (Matt. 1:23).
As we slow down at the end of the year to reflect, we see many signs of his gracious presence with us. We completed a two-year journey through Romans, made some updates to the wonderful facility God has entrusted to us, welcomed Elliott George as our Pastoral Assistant of Music, installed a new Lead Pastor, and established updated bylaws. Despite all the change, we have been given a remarkable amount of unity in Christ, stability, and fruit.
So much happened this year in our shared life that can’t be measured with numbers: suffering, perseverance, grief, joy, growth towards Christlikeness, deepening appetites for God’s Word, shining the light of the gospel into dark places. Though much of God’s fruit in us is unmeasurable, we’ve gathered some of the tangible ways in which we can sense God's presence and favor among the saints at Trinity Bible Church. The report below is a testament to His work among us, a reason for thanksgiving, and a call to continued prayer and dedication.
I’m honored to serve a church that loves each other well, eagerly receives the Word of God, and desires to press into the giftings and opportunities God has put before us. May we continue to serve with unreserved joy.
With deep gratitude and prayerful anticipation,
Pastor Mal