Jesus, the reason for the season

A short devotional from Our Daily Bread, to remind us about the origin of Christmas.

---

In the Czech Republic and other places, the Christmas celebration includes “Christingles.” A Christingle is an orange, representing the world, with a candle placed in the top of it to symbolize Christ the light of the world. A red ribbon encircles the orange, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Four toothpicks with dried fruits are placed through the ribbon into the sides of the orange, representing the fruits of the earth.

This simple visual aid vividly represents the purpose behind Christ’s coming—to bring light into the darkness and to redeem a broken world by shedding His blood.

In John’s account of Christ’s life, the disciple describes Jesus as the Light of the world. He wrote of Christ: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9). Not only did Christ the Light come to penetrate our world’s darkness, but He is also “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (v.29).

Think of it! The baby of Bethlehem became the living, risen Christ who has rescued us from our sin. And so John instructs us to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). May all who have experienced His rescue find in Jesus the peace of walking in His light.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight. —Brooks

The newborn Christ-child became the Light of the world and the Lamb of God.

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs VFC (23rd November)

PMC took on Victory Family Centre in the final friendly match of the season, triumphing 3-1, thanks to goals from Jingzhong, Daniel Low and Kee Min. Despite not playing together for a couple of months, the team played well, with Joel and Lincoln taking turns in goal. It was a good match to end of the year, and even the very muddy and waterlogged pitch couldn't dampen everyone's spirits.

Soccer Fellowship Report (26th October)

It was a cool Saturday afternoon and the weather was near perfect for a time of Soccer Fellowship. Jacob shared on the testimony of the ex-Brazilian captain, Lucio. Despite winning many titles and honours during his professional football career, Lucio remains thankful of the opportunities and responsibilities given by God. He said that “If I only had football, fame, or titles, but didn’t have God, I wouldn’t be happy. I believe that in order to be happy, you have to be right with God. You have to be searching after God and walking with Him.”

As Yijun brought along as many as 8-9 friends, the play promised to be in good numbers. We started with Blue (comprising most of Yijun's gang) VS Other Colours with full field. Evidently, the Blue side are the much fitter side with their wings making constant runs down the flanks but most of their cross-ins were dealt comfortably by Other Colours. Shortly after, 3 more players joined the play and it became 12 VS 12. The Blues opened the scoring first but were quickly leveled by Other Colours before half time. Jem's ankle recovering ankle was again injured by an untimely tackle. After a short break, the play resumed. As the Blues became more weary as the play continued, Other Colours were able to push forward more in the second half. The game was very much open and either side could have taken the lead. With the last attack of the game, the Blues took hold of the opportunity and finished the game 2-1.

It was a good game for everyone and Jem closed us in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (26th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 26th October at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

Soccer Fellowship Report (19th October)

A sunny afternoon greeted the usual Saturday soccer khakis, with a mixture of youth ministry's guys as well as the competitive PMC team players turning up for some kick-a-bouts. SOP, devotion was shared at the start of fellowship, about the discipline needed in everyone's life, be it in sports or work, in order to lead a victorious and fulfilling life. Key dovotional scripture taken from Hebrews 12: 7-13.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Jeremy sharing the afternoon's devotions

Fellowship followed as teams were split according to their colour tops, with the Whites against the Colours. Also, Kevin and myself finally resumed playing on the pitch after previous knocks suffered in what has been a pretty long season for PMC team. Whites, having most of the veteran PMC team players in KeeMin, Daniel and myself, started the game strongly with lots of possession on the ball. Colours, on the other hand, had the numerical advantage with largely youth players led by David and promising young Isaac. Superior passing and touches from the whites allow them to open the goal account first, as they sweep the ball from left to right and back to left with ease. Colours use their numerical advantage to launch counter attacks when at times, the whites pass the ball too many times and were crowded out by Colours sitting deep and making last ditch tackles. Colours were however, let down by poor touches and passing technique when they do win possession of the ball. Midway through, after afew short jogs and stretching, Kevin (whites) and Michael (colours) joined in. Colours begin to get themselves back into the game as the numerical advantage hold out and suit their counter attacking game. Tiredness could be seen setting in the Whites as the game grew on, so it was no surprise the young Colours took full advantage in stretching the Whites, scoring a series of quick back to back goals. There was no break being called so all of us played at least an hour of non-stop football, which also means that goals were aplenty. Almost everyone got on the scoresheet so it was difficult to track the scorers, which is never important anyways. A definite great run-out for everyone, especially to the few of us who are easing ourselves back into our passionate sport. As the pitch next game players starts to get on the pitch, i decided that its just about enough run-out for all of us already and call the session to an end. Kevin closed the fellowship with a prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (19th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 19th October at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

SCS Cup Match Report: PMC vs AMC

After a morale-boosting victory over Salvation Army last week, PMC entered the next round of the SCS Cup game against AMC brimming with confidence. However, due to injuries and personal commitments, PMC had to take on the might of AMC, widely considered as one of the best teams in church soccer, with a lineup that was almost completely different from the week before. 

PMC had to deal with the absence of their central midfield from last week. With Kee Min, Dominic and Andrew unavailable, Jacob and Sheldon were tasked to fill their boots against a physically strong AMC midfield. Rusydi and Jing Zhong also returned, with Jing Zhong taking his usual position on the left and Rusydi tasked with a free role. Young Isaac also made his first start for PMC.

The game started evenly, with both teams equally matched in all departments. Both teams had good spells with the ball but failed to find the final pass when it mattered most. Therefore, the dead lock was always going to be broken via a set piece. AMC started the scoring from a corner kick, with their talismanic striker nodding the ball home from close range.

Rusydi wrestling for possession

Despite the setback, PMC responded very well, with Sheldon and Jacob providing strength and physicality in midfield. AMC failed to capitalize on their first goal and the half ended 1-0.

With the game delicately poised at 1-0, there was still all to play for in the 2nd half and PMC could not have started any better. Charging down AMC's cheeky attempt to score from the kickoff, Rusydi managed to latch on to the ball and slammed home an unstoppable half volley to level the match. The equalizer gave PMC a renewed sense of confidence while AMC seemed stunned. 

PMC started taking control of the game with Rusydi wrecking havoc in the AMC half. However, the team was profligate in their finishing, despite creating several goal scoring opportunities. It was against the run of play when AMC once again took the lead, this time from a free kick. As the ball was floated in, AMC's striker was once again unmarked, and rose highest to head the ball home from close range. 

However, there was another twist to the story, as PMC managed to equalize via a header from Daniel. AMC failed to clear their lines from a corner and Daniel managed to nod the ball over the keeper to make it 2-2. 

Daniel and Sheldon celebrating the equalizer with a dance

With the game nearing its end, AMC started to press higher up the field and pressure the PMC back four. However, our defence stood firm and managed to withstand the late onslaught. The game ended 2-2 and the outcome of the match was to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Unfortunately, there was to be no fairy tale ending, as AMC's massive goalkeeper stood firm to deny both Ming Kiat and Wei Jie in the shootout. The shootout ended 4-2 to AMC. Despite the result, there were many positives to be taken from the game, particularly the determination showed by the players and ability to move the ball around under pressure. 

This marks the end of PMC's run in the SCS Cup. Soccer fellowship will resume from 12th October onwards.

Soccer Fellowship (12th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 12th October at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

SCS Cup 2013 Match Report: PMC vs Salvation Army

Team PMC came into the SCS tournament after a long season at the crossroads cup, but help came in the addition of Dom, Andrew and MK to the team. PMC started the session with Samuel leading in the song "At the cross" while Jeremy lead in devotion.

Disaster struck PMC 5 mins into the game when a 50-50 challenge that caught Jem's ankle caused him to limp off the field. However, PMC continued to play well with Andrew and Dom holding the midfield. The first goal came when Yi Jun came running in from the far side of the left flank to head in a cross by Dom. PMC kept up the pressure throughout the first half and this time Lincoln found the back of net to make it 2-0 for PMC. However, Salvation Army was persistent in their attack and came back with a reponse to score right before half time, making 2-1.

Andrew runs the midfield for PMC

Jem goes down under a heavy challenge

Team PMC came in vigilant in the second half, determined to keep their one goal lead. The defence continued to hold their own against the Salvation Army counter parts. While the midfield continued to play well with Isaac and MK making good runs down the flank. PMC continued to hold possession of the ball and even make a couple of good attempts at goal. A great goal scoring opportunity came when Jeremy Tan took a shot at goal from close range, only to see it come off the crossbar. While PMC missed many good chances, Salvation Army managed to capitalise on theirs. A loose ball that was not picked out in the PMC defence gave the opponent's striker a clear shot at goal to make it 2-2. PMC did not want to let the game go to penalties and continued to pressure the Salvation Army defence and sending more players up. Breakthrough came when a decisive touch by Dominic from a long ball saw the ball roll into the net and put PMC back in the lead. It was a soft goal but a goal nonetheless. PMC continued to keep the ball until the referee blew the final whistle. It was smiles all round at the end as team PMC moves on to the next round of the SCS cup.

 Dom takes on 2 opponents

 'Man-of-the-match' Samuel defends well all match

SCS Cup 2013 Match Report: OLD vs CMC (15th September)

Team OLD returned to competitive football after a hiatus of 3 years, with many team mates not seeing each other for quite a while. The team also welcomed quite a number of new faces such as Alvin Chan, Eddie Wong, Eddie Boh and Vincent Ang. Having not played together at all prior to this match, the aim was clearly to just enjoy the run-out and hope for the best. With the average age of the team in the high 40s, everyone's expectations were reasonable given the relative youth of the opponents.

Before the match, Mark Chan from CMC started the usual pre-match proceedings of devotions, and shared about his past week and the reality of God during that time.

The match kicked off with CMC only having 11 players and OLD having 14. However, it was evident from the start that the team in white were clearly going to exploit their quickness to unsettle their older opponents. The exchange in the first 5min was quite even, with both teams probing and trying to find a breakthrough. OLD came the closest during this time when a half-cleared cross found its way to Eddie Wong to rifled a fierce shot at goal, which the CMC GK was able to parry away. From then however, it was CMC who threatened more and by the 10th min, they got their first goal when a cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Felix. Being 1-0 up, the CMC players kept on pegging away and a combination of long, short balls as well as speedy wing play meant that the floodgates had started to open, as OLD conceded 4 more times before the interval. It wasn't that OLD was playing particularly badly, as they managed to pass and control the ball in periods, but schoolboy errors in defence led to easy goals being let in. It also didn't help that Mark Leong had to limp off mid-way through the first half, leaving some re-organisation in the defensive ranks.

The 2nd half started with CMC reduced to 10 men as they had a player injured. The irony of the situation was despite being a man short, they opened the scoring when a stand-offish defence allowed the CMC striker to waltz his way right through to a one-on-one situation against Sean. This happened a 2nd time, before OLD woke up and scored a good goal, playing the ball out of defence, and Kevin threading it through to Eddie Wong, who finished nicely from the left. At 7-1, the referee decided to award CMC a penalty when Eddie Boh brought down a CMC player in the box, allowing CMC to score their 8th goal. What stunned everyone was that directly from the kick-off, Eddie Wong blasted the ball into the top corner of the net with some wonderful technique, to make it 8-2. The score stayed that way despite some good work from OLD in trying to pull more goals back, but the many crosses sent into the box by David Sng could not be converted, ending OLD's return to competitive football.