News Update

Our Christmas carol service last Sunday evening proved to be an occasion that brought together many of our friends and personal contacts over the years we have been in Utzenfeld. It was also good to have one or two new faces. The weather was snowy but in contrast with Britain, somehow our Black Forest folk seem to feel that the worse the weather the greater the challenge to venture forth and face the elements.

Our programme of Scripture readings and carols lasted about an hour and in the concluding 'meditation' Len emphasised that without receiving the Lord Jesus with a personal faith it is impossible to worship Him with the shepherds and wise men or to experience the real joy of Christmas. We pray that this Christmas may prove to be the time that many all around the world worship the Son of God with a believing mind and a true heart. He is no longer a baby in Bethlehem, no longer the suffering Saviour on the cross, but the risen and ascended Lord Jesus who through the Gospel message is calling men and women everywhere to turn from a selfish and sinful way of life to enjoy 'without money and without price' all the benefits He has purchased for us at great price.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." 2 Cor 8:9

1. Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becomest poor.

2. Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenwards by thine eternal plan.
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man.

3. Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship thee.

Frank Houghton (1894-1972)