A Christmas Prayer For 2015: O Come, O Come, Immanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)

Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.

Offering

As we approach the end of another year and enter into the Christmas season, it's never been more apparent that the world is in desperate need of that baby born in a manger so many years ago. We must now, as God's people did over 2000 years ago, lift our voices in this prayer: "Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come, Immanuel)".
Saturday, December 05, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
I Saw Three Ships • L. Kerchner
Praise
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing • O Come, All Ye Faithful Silent Night • Joy to the World
Prayer
José Bourget
"By the Word of Their Testimony" Baptism
Chris Ngugi with Ben Martin • Jane-Carla Esperance Idana Gedeon-Sainsurin with Rodlie Ortiz
Baby Dedication
Emmett Elijah presented by Benjamin & Brianna Martin with José Bourget
Worship in Music
Candlelight Procession • Adam Gorb
Sermon
“A Christmas Prayer for 2015: O Come, O Come, Immanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)” • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Cards, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
O Come, O Come, Immanuel • 115
As We Depart
Joy to the Season • Sean O'Loughlin

“A Christmas Prayer for 2015: O Come, O Come, Immanuel”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • The Gathering Dark
    • James Nelson Black: “As I have looked back across the ruins and landmarks of antiquity, I have been stunned by the parallels between those societies and our own. For most of us the destruction of Carthage, the rise of the Greek city-states, and the Fall of Rome are mere ghosts of the past, history lessons long forgotten. And such things as the capture of Constantinople, the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, the collapse of the kingdoms of France and Spain, and the slow withering decline of the British Empire are much less clear and less memorable. . . . But this is the legitimate background of our own place in history, [thus] it is vital that we reconsider the nature of life in those earlier times. For within those eras and movements are the seeds of the troubles we face today.” (When Nations Die 3 www.leaderu.com/common/nationsdie.html)

Social decay:

  • Crisis of lawlessness
  • Loss of economic discipline
  • Rising bureaucracy

Cultural decay:

  • Decline of education
  • Weakening of cultural foundations
  • Loss of respect for tradition
  • Increase in materialism

Moral decay:

  • Rise in immorality
  • Decay of religious belief
  • Devaluing of human life

 

  • The Piercing Light
    • Matthew 4:16-17—The world was   when Christ came the first time.
    • Revelation 18:1-3—The world will be when Christ comes the second time.
    • Ezekiel 43:1, 2—But as it was the first time so it will be the second time—the Light of will pierce the darkness of the world.
    • Malachi 4:2—The of Righteousness will rise with healing in His beams.
    • Isaiah 60:1, 2—And He will pierce the darkness through His glory that will shine upon His .
    • Matthew 5:14-16—So we must let the light of His shine us.
    • Christ’s Object Lessons:
  • “It is the darkness of misapprehension of that is enshrouding the world. [People] are losing their knowledge of His character.” (415)
  • “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of .” (415)
  • “The children of God are to manifest His glory. In own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.” (415-416)
  • “Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God’s glory is to shine forth through His in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn.” (417)
  • “Practical work will have far more than mere sermonizing. We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless.” (417)
  • “And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike will be unsealed.” (417)
  • “The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s . From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven’s throne to be excluded. . . . The power of hell has been overcome.” (418)

 

“Go light your world!”

Sabbath School Lesson Overview on the Book of Joshua

Everyone is invited to the overview of the Fourth Quarter Sabbath school lesseon presented by Dr. Rahel Wells on the Book of Joshua. We hope you can join us on October 4 at 4:00 PM in the Pioneer Youth Chapel. For further information contact Melchizedek Ponniah, 269-876-7476, melponniah@gmail.com.

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to the last a hymn-sing for 2025 at The Old Rugged Cross Church on September 20, Sabbath, 4:00 - 5:15 PM. The Old Rugged Cross Church is located at 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047.  Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. A free will offering will help to maintain this historic church where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” was introduced to the public by the composer. For further information, please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, melponniah@gmail.com, or 269-876-7476.

Howard Center Presents: Heritage Singers

Heritage Singers October 4, 2025, 8:00 PM. $30 Reserved, $20 Students, $10 Children < 5yrs Heritage Singers is a non-profit gospel music ministry based in California with a goal to bring people closer to Jesus by praising Him through music. When founders Max and Lucy Mace began this ministry, they never thought they would still be doing this 54 years later. Heritage Singers has had the opportunity to travel to over 80 different countries, travel over two million miles, and perform over 7,500 concerts. Max Mace believed that “If there ever was a time to share the Good News about Jesus, it’s now.” 

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet - Fischoff Competition Winners September 28, 2025, 7:00 PM. $20 General Seating, $10 Students, $5 Children < 5yrs Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. 

Something in Common Sabbath School

Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram 

We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11.  We meet in Pioneer Board Room.

Calling All Families: Sabbath Delight Challenge

Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH to 269-281-2345.

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