Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, December 19, the fifty-first Lord's Day of this year 2021.
This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps.118:24). On this new Lord's Day we bring our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving unto our sovereign Creator and Redeemer, who is worthy of all honor and glory.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. ...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. ~ Isaiah 9:2,6,7
If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
- You are invited! This Saturday, December 25, the PR congregations will be holding special Christmas Day services in the morning in celebration of the birth of God's Son, the Savior. Most begin at 9:30 a.m., but check the website of the church near you for details. "O, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
- Today Rev. J. Langerak (Heritage PRC) accepted the call to Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA). We rejoice with this congregation in God's goodness, and also pray that the Lord may give grace to Heritage as they will prepare to say farewell to their pastor and his wife.
- Today Rev. C. Spronk declined the calls from Hudsonville and Doon PRCs. We continue to pray for the needs of these vacant congregations, even as we are confident of their Shaepherd's perfect care for them during their time of vacancy.
- Rev. J. Marcus and his wife are in Randolph PRC today while Rev. Guichelaar and his family are in West Michigan.
- Rev. D. Holstege and family are tentatively planning to move to Wingham next week (final week of December) and be installed as Wingham's pastor on Sunday, Jan.2 by Rev. W. Langerak. The congregation is eagerly anticipating their arrival. We pray that the Lord by His good hand may fulfill these plans for all involved.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Sem. M.Koerner in Doon (IA) PRC (Rev. M. DeVries Christmas Day and next Sunday); Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. K.Koole in Grace PRC (Prof. B. Huizinga - Christmas Day); Rev. E. Guichelaar and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC (Prof. D. Kuiper - Christmas Day); Rev. M.McGeown in Wingham PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation and the privilege to be able to help one another in this need.
- For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
A welcome and familiar scene this December (after last year) - Faith PRC's Sunday School Program this morning (Jenison, MI)
- Watch for and attend these upcoming Christmas programs/singspirations in the PRC congregations:
- The Edgerton (MN) PRC Young People will host their annual Christmas Singspiration tonight at First Reformed Church in Edgerton (Minnesota). A collection will be received to offset the cost of attending the Young People's Convention.
- Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) will hold their congregational Christmas program tonight after the evening service.
- Grandville PRC will hold a short Christmas Hymn Sing tonight after the evening worship service. The Sunday School will be singing 2 songs as a special number.
- The Peace PRC Choir (Dyer, IN) will be hosting a Christmas Singspiration tonight after the evening worship service. "Please join us as we glorify God in singing praises to Him."
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:
From the PRC Contact Committee: This past Wednesday [Dec.15], a delegation from the Contact Committee traveled to Singapore, D.V. This is a normal annual visit, visits which have lately been curtailed due to Covid. The purposes of the visit are to conduct church visitation with the Session of CERC, to relieve Pastor Tan of pulpit duties for a couple of weeks, and to further strengthen our relationship with the CERC. Please pray for Prof. Dykstra and David Kregel and their wives as they conduct this work on behalf of the churches, and continue to pray for all those in other lands whom we have come to know and love.
PRC Seminary Notices:
- This past week the seminary completed its first semester as exams were held. We thank the Lord for being able to experience a normal term of in-person classes once again. It is the prayer of the faculty, staff, and students that you may enjoy the peace and joy of God's Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, in this holiday season. "Glory to God in the highest"!
- Seminary will break from Dec.19-Jan.2, the weeks of Christmas and New Years Day. The seminary library and bookstore will remain open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and supply needs. A reminder that the bookstore is a good place to find gifts for the Christmas season! The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
- The 2022 Interim course will run from Jan.3-Jan.11. Prof. R. Dykstra will be teaching The History and Principles of Christian Education (his final one!). Auditors are welcome. The class will meet on January 3-7 and January 10-11 from 8:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. If you would like to attend, please contact Sharon at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- The seminary's special conference on preaching was held on Oct.28-29 at Trinity PRC. If you were unable to attend and would like to listen to the speeches, they are available here and here. The videos have also now been posted to the seminary YouTube channel.
- The Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was sent to the printer this past week. But the digital edition (pdf) is now available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital), contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- This past week the church visitors from the PRC Contact Committee arrived safely in Singapore to meet with the Session of the CERC and fellowship with the saints. We pray for a profitable visit for Prof. R. Dykstra and elder D.Kregel, along with their wives. Prof. Dykstra led the morning service today.
- From today's bulletin: We give thanks to God for answering our prayers in the affirmative that the church visitor could come again this year. Some may wonder, why would session want others to be asking heart-probing questions to them? We desire this because we desire to be held accountable that we are doing the utmost of our ability in being faithful to our calling as office bearers. Please pray for them and for us in the meeting for the next two weeks. We thank God also for the CK camp that was just held in the week past. What a time to fellowship and enjoy the communion of the saints. May God bless all that we have learned in the camp and hide God’s word in our hearts.
- The latest issue of Salt Shakers magazine - the October issue (#66) - is available online. Our young people and young adults are especially encouraged to read it.
- The last issue of "Reformed News Asia" is October 2021 - #64. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
- The last CPRC newsletter - November 2021 - is available on the website! Visit this page to view it and read it (*cf. the newsletter column on the right side of the webpage).
- Be sure to check out the new edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - November 2021. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
- The Kleyns arrived in USA this week (west Michigan). They are here especially to spend time with family and friends. They will also go to Iowa since Rev. Kleyn is scheduled to preach in Doon PRC on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 2. They plan to return to the Philippines on Jan. 4, Lord willing.
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe led the services today.
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R.Smit led her services today.
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is a Christmas one based on Luke 2:13,14 and titled "The Song of the Angels."
- "The REFORMED WITNESS HOUR (RWH) COMMITTEE thanks you, PRC members, friends, and donors, for your prayers and financial support during 2021. As you plan for your year-end giving, we ask that you prayerfully consider helping with one of these current RWH costs: continued broadcasts on WYLL in the Chicago area and extended Internet outreach through our website (reformedwitnesshour.org), social media, and SermonAudio. Thank you for your continued support of this important PRC ministry."
- 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.).
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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM
Great devotional reading for Christmas! Visit the RFPA website for more information.
- Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
- Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
- 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.
- The Reformed Book Outlet is running their 25% off sale for the month of December again this year. This sale includes 25% off most books, Bibles, and Bible covers. Come visit us Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
"How wondrous are the ways of God!
Thus, indeed, one exclaims ever again, as often as he may read the utterly simple, yet amazing marvelous story of the coming of Immanuel!
Wonderful it is that narrative from its very beginning.
Or is it not amazing that the story that tells of the incarnation of the Son of God, of the birth of Christ, the Anointed of God, should be introduced by the name of Caesar Augustus, the head of the mighty world power? A decree went forth from Caesar Augustus!
It testifies, indeed, that the glory had departed from Israel. How otherwise could a decree of the mighty Caesar have any bearing upon the realization of so distinctly an Israelitish hope as the birth of their Messiah? Yet, so it was. After captivity in Babylon, there had, indeed, been a brief period of hope and joy. The temple was rebuilt. Jerusalem had been raised from its ruins. The law had been restored. But never had Israel been restored to its former glory and freedom. A mere handful of people had returned to the land of their fathers. Though the temple had been rebuilt, the Holy of Holies remained empty: the art of the covenant was lost forever! Israel had been the plaything of cruel nations that plowed upon its back and left long and deep furrows. A hated tyrant, descendant and worthy representative of the Reprobate, occupied the throne in Jerusalem; and even so, the scepter in his hand was controlled by a mightier hand than his: that of the glorious Caesar of Rome! And a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus….
The outward form of the kingdom of God had been swallowed up by the mighty world power!
Even so, the fullness of time had come!
True, it did not appear so to those that had expectations of an earthly Messiah and world glory. But God’s purpose was different. The earthly form of the kingdom was a mere shadow. It might disappear. And it must needs depart, that the essence of that Kingdom might become manifest. God’s King will, indeed, also cause the kingdoms of the world power to crumble into the dust, but He would not appear in a halo of glory, with world crowns on His head, royal purple about His shoulders, and glittering sword in His hand, but as the lowly Servant of Jehovah, the Man after Go’s heart, Who will establish His kingdom in righteousness!
Hence, not in Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem, are His proper connections.
There He must be born!
And the world power must cooperate to this end: a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus!
Wonderful ways of God!"
Excerpt from The Mystery of Bethlehem by Herman Hoeksema