PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 24, 2023

Today, December 24 - Christmas Eve - is the fifty-first Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

Christmas Day Services will be held in the PRC congregations Monday morning, December 25. You are cordially invited to join us in worship of our Savior Jesus Christ, bringing Him our gifts of thanks and praise for the gracious, unspeakable gift of Himself to us sinners.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ~ Luke 2:7-12

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• This past Monday Lynden PRC (WA) voted to call Rev. H. Bleyenberg (Immanuel PRC, Lacombe, AB).
  
  
• This morning Rev. R. Smit was installed as the thirteenth pastor in Randolph PRC's history. Prof. D. Kuiper led the installation service. May the Lord grant Rev. Smit a faithful and fruitful ministry in this congregation.
  
  
• Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: The Consistory announces a new trio from which to call a pastor (on Dec.31): Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), N. Decker (Grandville PRC) and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. G. Eriks in Georgetown PRC; Prof. B. Huizinga (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Rev. C. Haak and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper in Randolph PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

• Upcoming, January 27, 2024! Faith PRC Evangelism Committee (Jenison, MI): Financial Stewardship Seminar: How does the Lord want His servants to manage their money and other earthly goods? What does biblical stewardship require of us when it comes to making money, managing resources, and giving to the causes of God's kingdom? Learn sound principles from God's Word to help guide you in these matters at Faith PRC’s special evangelism seminar, Saturday morning, January 27, from 9-11:30 am at the church. Planned are keynote presentations and breakout sessions for all ages, from teenagers to couples to seniors. Nusery will be provided. Join us for an instructive and edifying morning! Visit Faith PRC's website for registration ( https://faithprc.org ).

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• The Ad Hoc Committee (PRC Synod 2023) reports that Guidepost is presently evaluating the survey results and estimates that it will take two weeks to compile data and report to the committee. The committee’s mandate is to discuss with Guidepost the priority of investigations going forward. The committee expresses its sincere gratitude for all who have submitted surveys and responded via the hotline. Although the survey has ended, the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) will be open throughout the duration of the investigation.
  
  
• Classis East will next meet on Wednesday, Jan.10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI. The agenda is available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East.

• PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!

This past week was final exam week for the students; here three of them take their Dogmatics exam for Prof. Huizinga's class.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PR Theological Seminary ended regular classes on Friday (Dec.15) and completed final exams this past week (Dec.22). The seminary will now recess from Dec.23-Jan.7. Pray for a time of rest and refreshment for faculty and students during the break. During this time the seminary will remain open and staff will be available to help with any needs, except on Christmas day and New Year's. Keep in mind that the bookstore has many items for gift-giving in this time of the year!
• The Theological School Committee is thankful to report that Prof. Cory Griess has completed his ThM degree in Historical Theology from Puritan Reformed Seminary. As part of this degree Prof. Griess successfully defended his thesis on the method of homiletics taught in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary, "The Art Homily: A Neglected Homiletical Method?”
• With the end of the semester last week, faculty and students will break from normal teaching and studies but also be busy in other labors. Several faculty members will be traveling for special preaching assignments during the break and during the 2024 Interim (Prof. Huizinga to Redlands, CA for pulipit supply; Prof. Gritters to Ballymena, N. Ireland for church visitation, preaching, and lecturing; and Prof. Kuiper and Sem. A. Van Dyke to the Philippines). May the Lord bless their travels and the labors they perform on behalf of the churches.
• Senior Arend Haveman is wrapping up his summer-fall internship (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. After the internship is completed, he will return for this final semester next year, Lord willing.
• SEMINARY CLASS ON 1953: Prof. Dykstra is teaching the seminary interim class on the schism of 1953, which will be open to interested individuals. The class will cover the history of the schism as well as the church political issues, and particularly the doctrinal issue of God’s covenant of grace. The Lord willing, the class will meet in the mornings of January 8, 9, 12, and 15-19, from 9AM until 11:30AM. If you are interested in attending, please call and register with Valerie Kleyn (531-1490) at the seminary..
• The Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was completed and mailed out last month. The digital editions have been posted on the journal page (click on the link provided here). This latest issue features three articles related to the Reformed controversy with the Remonstrants (Arminians) and a reprint of a special Reformation feature from an early issue of the PRTJ. Plus, there is a good number of book reviews again, on a variety of subjects. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors preached. In today's "pastoral voice" there is a wonderful Christmas note that includes these words: "Before we were regenerated by God, we who were dead in our trespasses and our sins and no room whatsoever for Jesus Christ. We had no room for the truth and gospel He brings. We had no room in our hearts to believe that we need God’s sovereign grace. We had no room in our hearts that there is absolutely no good in us. Nothing in us that would make us desirable of the thrice holy God. All that was in our hearts was the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. All we deserve is God’s just wrath and holy judgement. Before we were regenerated by God, we who were dead in our trespasses and our sins and no room whatsoever for Jesus Christ. We had no room for the truth and gospel He brings. We had no room in our hearts to believe that we need God’s sovereign grace. We had no room in our hearts that there is absolutely no good in us. Nothing in us that would make us desirable of the thrice holy God. All that was in our hearts was the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. All we deserve is God’s just wrath and holy judgement. But God be praised, our hearts enlarge with joy, our lips pour forth praise! The baby in a manger is the conquering King. He alone crushed the head of the serpent at the cross 33 years later. He spoke, and we dry bones came to life. Resurrection life. Life unending. Life eternal. The life of our Redeemer given to us.This explains why there is room today in our hearts for Jesus. The King has given us a new heart, he has saved us, and now reigns over us, right to the very depths of our being."
    
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is out! #70, "Time Is Running Out," concerns the Christian's use of time; find a variety of articles on timely subjetcs in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC. Special notices in her bulletin: "Prof. & Lori Gritters and Elder Sid Miedema are to arrive on Friday, 5 January and be with us until Monday, 15 January." And, "Prof. Gritters will be giving a lecture on “The Ongoing Battle for the Sabbath” on Wednesday, 10 January, at 7:30 PM. Plan now to attend and invite family and friends!"
  • The December issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the newest articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's palace prayer and Rev. R. Hanko's answer to a question about Jesus' weeping.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streamed through our official Facebook account."  
    
  • Special note concerning Rev. Ibe's visit this past week to Bacolod and Sipalay, SNO: "We greatly rejoice in the Lord for the blessings He poured out upon the labors of our pastor with the pastors and saints both in Bacolod and SNO. The lecture on “The Sovereign-Particular-Gracious Everlasting Covenant of Grace was well received; likewise, the meeting with the pastors in SNO went well, and the “Thanksgiving service” at the Reformed Christian Church in Canturay, Sipalay City was so warm and full of joy indeed. God be praised. We continue to solicit your prayers for and upon the saints in Bacolod and SNO that God may sustain and preserve them in and for the truth in Christ Jesus, our Lord. God willing, the next visit is scheduled for January 22 – 23, 2024."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon R, Fuente led her services today.
    
    

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• This month (December 2023) the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma, including special Christmas and Old Year's ones. Today's Christmas message is titled "The Song of the Angels" and is based on Luke 2:13,14. For the December RWH Newsletter visit this page. 
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

On Sale from the RFPA for December! Born for Our Salvation by Rev. M. McGeown - 50% off this month! Great gift idea!

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
  *Special notice: The Reformed Book Outlet will be having a 25% off sale during the entire of December! This sale applies to most ofThe Reformed Book Outlet will be having a 25% off sale during the entire of December! This sale applies to most ofour books, Bibles, Bible covers, gift items, and more. Shop in the store and the discount will be automatically applied,or shop online and use promo code DEC25 for 25% off eligible items. We will also be running a fill-a-bag sale instore only for any books in Neal’s Nook, which houses the book collection previously belonging to Neal Pastoor that was donated to the RBO for selling. Fill a provided bag with as many books as you can, and buy them all for $10!

• In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
  
  
• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Where would we expect an eternal Ruler to be born?  Well, Rome, Alexandria, in some great city of the world, some great city even in Judah—Jerusalem.  But not in little Bethlehem, insignificant Bethlehem.  Not in some little hick town that nobody knows about.  You could list off one thousand towns of Judah in Micah’s day, and Bethlehem would not be in the list.  The point is that the people of Bethlehem would not say, “Well, of course He’s born here.  Look at us!  We have a great city here.”  No, God has picked the insignificant.  God has picked what man would not pick.

"God is free.  He is not impressed by any human achievement or worth.  He is never constrained by any human greatness, to be in our debt.  That is how Paul puts it in I Corinthians 1, where he says that not many mighty after the flesh have been called, but God has chosen the weak and lowly things in order that he that glorieth might glory in the Lord.  And that is exactly the point of Micah 5:2.   God is doing a thing in every generation that will give Him the glory and shut our mouths in taking the credit for anything.  God is choosing a way that is least likely, in order to close our mouths, so that we might find all our boasting in Him and not in our proud accomplishments.  God chose a stable, so no innkeeper could boast.  God chose a manger, so no carpenter could boast.  God put Him in swaddling clothes, so that no seamstress could boast.  God saw that He was born in Bethlehem, so that no town, no group of men, could boast and could say to Him, “Well, of course He’s born in Bethlehem.  Where would you expect the King of kings to be born but in our town, our great village.”  No!  Little Bethlehem, insignificant, not mentioned among the thousands of Judah.  Insignificant Bethlehem is where God chose His Son to be born.

"He chose freely, as He chose all the elect.  That is the deepest meaning.  Every aspect of Jesus’ birth drips with God’s pure grace.  God did not choose us because of some merit in us.  It was not that God said, “Well, after all, they are not like other people.  They are pretty good people down there over where you are.  Look at their respectability, their accomplishments, their industry, their thrift.  Well, of course, I will choose them.”  Oh, no!  You and I do not receive the blessings of Jesus Christ because we deserved it, earned it, merited it, or made ourselves worthy of it, or are of better stock than anyone else.  We do not receive forgiveness and glory and salvation because we have made ourselves squeaky-clean and are better than others.  But this is the message of the birth of Jesus Christ:  The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared (Titus 2:11).   The grace of God appeared in the most unlikely place—in Bethlehem, little among the thousands of Judah.

"But as the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem nullifies all human boasting, it magnifies God.  Micah said, “Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”  God says, “My Son, born there, is the eternal Ruler, the One in whom I have placed all power and authority, the One through whom I shall glorify Myself.”  And again, the contrast is here, the wonder of who He is.  That He comes out of Bethlehem, is told us in contrast to the shame-faced judges of Israel being slapped by the Assyrian generals; in contrast to them, a ruler comes who is eternal God—out of little Bethlehem.  “Through His birth, cross, resurrection, and ascension He shall come to Me.  And He shall be Ruler at My right hand.”  Micah is saying, “He is much more than just a king in Israel.  He is not a local hero.  He is not a Palestinian ruler.  He is not a Jewish idol.  But He shall be great to the ends of the earth (v. 4).  He will be King of kings and Lord of lords.”  Don’t let the familiarity of that truth that He is King of kings and Lord of lords be taken away from you in your heart.  He is King.  He is King of Caesar, over the President, over Iraq, over Antichrist, over every lord—demonic and human."

~ Taken from the radio sermon "Eternal Ruler Out of Little Bethlehem" by Rev. C. Haak