Joy To The World
“I Am The Vine; You Are The Branches. Whoever Abides In Me & I In Him, He It Is That Bears Much Fruit, For Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing.” John 15:5, ESV
Sermon
Preview
A Short Message To Get You Excited For Sunday’s Worship Service.
Joy To The World
By: Elijah Bell
As most of the world prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the observance of Christmas, many will see scenes of a manger with a tiny, plastic baby Jesus lying inside it, with his mother and father looking on meekly, surrounded by fuzzy barnyard animals.
This cuddly, commercialized version of Jesus is the one the world chooses to celebrate. The words of the famous song will be sung and heard countless times this holiday season: “Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King.” But what King does the world receive or accept? A baby. This is the form of Jesus that the world will accept. A small, unassuming bundle of cuddly comfort and warmth, accompanied by a healthy dose of commercialism and gift receiving. Why does the world so readily accept this version of Jesus? Because it is unassuming. It requires nothing of us. It’s simply a good story associated with receiving worldly gifts or blessings.
But when we look at the biblical account of Jesus coming into the world we can see that His arrival was met with a variety of attitudes. Yes, the wise men came with “great joy” (Matthew 2:10), but there was also another reaction. King Herod was “troubled” when he heard the news about Jesus (Matthew 2:3). “Another king?” Herod must have thought. “Well, this is a challenge to my authority. This simply will not do.”
In a similar way, many today choose to accept the watered-down version of Jesus coming into the world because it doesn’t challenge them. It requires nothing of them. They can still be “king” of their own lives. But what if we saw Jesus’ arrival as the coming of a royal king, with power, dominion, and authority? It would require something of us. It would demand a choice. Do we choose to submit to the coming King with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? If so, then we are like the wise men in the passage.
Wise men still seek Jesus to bow down to Him and offer their best to Him. On the other hand, the “Herods” of the world will still be “troubled” at the idea of a coming King, because it means they are not the king. Which are you? The wise men, or Herod?
This Sunday, we will look at both the wise men and Herod and notice how they each did the same things, but for totally opposite reasons. We will then ask which one are we, and how do we know? We look forward to seeing you at 10am for Bible class, and 11am for Worship this Sunday, 12/21/25, at Holly Hill as we ask if Jesus' arrival is truly “joy to the world,” or “double” to the king (Herod).
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
What is a Blessing Bag?
During the Ladies Retreat in September, we put together Blessing Bags filled with useful items for people living on the streets. These bags include snacks, hand warmers, hats, gloves, lotion, hygiene products, & more.
You can find the Blessing Bags by the elevator, near the Food Pantry & WES Backpack Program collection containers.
Please take several to keep in your car & hand out to those you see in need, such as individuals holding signs asking for help. For any questions, please contact Robin Mayes.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:35-36 ESV
Upcoming Schedule For Life Groups
Holly Hill Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May). If you require a church member’s contact information, home address, or require directions to a specific Life Group, please contact the church office at office@hollyhillcoc.org.
Sunday, Dec 21
Sunday, Jan 4
Sunday, Jan 18
Sunday, Feb 1
Sunday, Feb 15
Dec 21 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Jeff Jones
Song Leader: Tom Owens
Prayer: Richard Dailey
Lord’s Supper: Mark Johnson
Scripture: Stefan Rudic
Dec 28 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Bradley Richardson
Song Leader: David Jones
Prayer: Lee Wise
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Jr
Scripture: Joe Richardson
Dec 14 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 32
Worship Attendance: 57
Contribution: $6,850.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Ashli Mayes
Bob Dabney
Jim Clark
Euletta Joyce Irvin's Family
Jackie Hensley
Brenda Perkins
Ezra Caldwell
Harding Risk
Ongoing Prayers For: Jeff Jones; Ernie & Judy Casey; Joyce Best; Barbara Sudduth; Jackye Stockton; The Jones Family; Valerie Clark; Molly Littlefield-Lane; Lee Isleman; Emmie Forrest; Jim Norrick; Phil & Suzanne Wilkins; Joue Manglicmot; The Pittman Family; Betty Blanton; Cora Owens; The Clarke Family; James & Rita Tackett; Dylan Smith; Shirley Hood; Geneva Hammons; Cathy Steele; Janis Friend; Tammy Radcliff; Jeannie LeBeau; Sonia Roach; Jerry Mayes; Kim Tillett; Carl Stoner; Melissa Farmer; Robin Ibershoff; Helen Hall; Charlene Ramsey; Inez Chatham; Ethan Jones; Jessie Tropoulos; Janice Coffelt; Polly Deaton; Robert Roach Sr; Janice Gregory; Penny Harland; Alyssa Deaton.
Upcoming Events
The Upcoming Events That You Need To Make Space On Your Calendar For.
Dec 21 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Dec 28 | Elf The Musical
The Johnson/Owens Life Group is planning an excursion to see ELF, the Musical at Derby Dinner Playhouse on Sunday, Dec 28th. The event schedule is provided below, and further information can be found by visiting: https://derbydinner.com/show/elfthemusical/
Doors Open @ 6:00 PM
Dinner @ 6-7:10 PM
Overtures/Pre-Show @ 7:15 PM
Main Show @ 7:45 PM
Jan 3 | Men's Bible Study & Breakfast
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall. This month’s study will be on Saturday, Jan 3rd at 8:00 AM.
Jan 4 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Jan 18 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
WES Backpack Program
We will once again be taking part in the Westridge Elementary School’s Backpack Program. We have listed some of the needed items below. If you prefer to make a monetary contribution, you can donate via check. Please make sure you add “Backpack Program” to the memo line. If you have any questions, please see Steve or Jenny Jones.
Items Needed:
Hot Chocolate
Ramen Noodles
Oatmeal
Easy Mac Cups
Nutri-Grain Bars
Chef Boyardee,
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Cheese Dippers
Peas & Carrots
Pop-Tarts
Applesauce Cups
Pudding Cups
Fruit Rollups
Soup Cups
Green Beans
Corn
Pretzels
Pork-N-Beans
Cereal Cups
Beanie Weenies
Cookie Packs
Fruit Gummies
Cheez-its
Cheese & Crackers
Tuna Kits
Rice Krispy Treats
Raisins
Slim Jims
Protein Bars
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being done by the congregation in Güines, Cuba! Linked below is the Mission Report for September & October.
Women’s Ministry
The Women's Ministry Program wants to make sure those unable to attend church are receiving visits! If you are not a member of the visitation committee but have visited someone recently, please let Cora Owens know. The visitation committee is creating a complete list of members to visit and wants to be sure no one is left out! Thanks in advance!
Tech Team Support
The Holly Hill Tech Team needs help. We would love to have a few more people trained and available to set up the livestreams and audio equipment. It’s a fairly simple task and you’ll be well trained before being thrown into the seat alone. If you’re interested, see David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
Meal Train & Potluck Ministry
If you’d like to help a family in need of a meal or sign up to bring a dish to a potluck, please contact Robin Mayes.
Building Security
We are in need of volunteers to make sure the building is locked following the conclusion of our Sunday & Mid-Week services. A sign-up sheet that runs through the remainder of the year has been place in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Trent.
Youth Ministry
Holly Hill is beginning a search for a Children and Youth Minister. The Evangelistic Committee (Scott Trent, David Jones, Tom Owens, Jeff Jones, or Robert Roach) need your suggestions and input. Please pray for this position and for our congregation and for the search committee that will be formed in the coming days.
Children’s Ministry
If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Scott Trent. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
Greeting Card Ministry
Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the auditorium, right in front of the nursery window, which will be sent out to various church members and guests who need encouragement. You can help serve and encourage by making sure to sign these cards each week. If you know someone who would benefit from receiving a card from the church, please provide the name and address to Joyce Best. We will have “Get Well” cards, “Thinking of You” cards, “Praying For You” cards, and “Sympathy” cards.
Shriners Children’s Hospital
Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
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The Weekly Vine is the newsletter of Holly Hill Church of Christ! If you would like to subscribe to The Weekly Vine, follow the link & sign up with your email address to receive the Weekly Vine newsletter in your inbox.