Messages on Advent
Dec 24, 2020 Christmas Eve Service – The Great Reveal
Today’s scripture: Luke 2:1-14 The Old Testament leads us in a specific direction that God is headed. Today, we touch on some of the scriptures announcing the future arrival of a Messiah, one who would lead God’s people and bring salvation – freedom. The touching story of the nativity we have heard year after year, but it’s worth repeating again. This baby reveal is the greatest of all time, announced by angels but heralded by shepherds. Luke 1 announces that…
Dec 20, 2020 – God and The Granny Pod
Today’s scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 In 2 Samuel 7, David sets about to build a house for God. But, what is David’s motive? Is he truly just creating spacefor God, appeasing God, or trying to use his power as king to keep God in “safe” space so David can do what he wants? God denies David this opportunity but then turns the table to uild David a home. this i the love of God,he wants to build you and…
Dec 13, 2020 – Joy on Display
Joy on Display Today’s scripture: Psalm 126 This third week of Advent we light the pink candle, the candle of Joy. Psalm 126 guides us into the notion of joy, “The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Christmas brings the coming of the Messiah, our savior so even with pandemics, we have much to be joyful about. Pastors and theologians have long argued a difference…
The First Carols – The Magnificat
Luke 1:47-55 Mary’s song, the Magnificat, is not just a song to glorify God, though it certainly does that, but it also is prophetic in that it sets the stage for who Jesus is and what he will do. It is a call to follow this, yet unborn, king. The Magnificat, Mary’s song gives God Glory, but it is also challenging because it challenges human leadership and reinforces the ancient prophecies declaring the Messianic identity of this baby. Mary’s song…
Linus in the Charlie Brown Christmas
Linus leaves his insecurities at the feet of Jesus, and so can we. “Charity begins at home but should not end there.” Thomas Fuller Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude and praise. Give Here
Chainsaw Art
“Two thousand years, and still we wait.” Hope. Hope, this mysterious, often difficult to describe ‘thing’ is what gives us a reason to continue in life, whether just working through a difficult time, or seeking meaning in life. Christmas brings hope in the form of a baby, but it is really in the resurrection, the rebirth, and in our salvation, because of Christ, that we have tangible hope.
Reading the Book of Luke
Join us this Christmas season in a spiritual discipline by reading one chapter of the book of Luke daily. There are 24 chapters in Luke and if you start on December 1st that will take you right up to Christmas Eve. “Charity begins at home but should not end there.” Thomas Fuller Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude and praise. Give Here
Birthdays? Who Remembers?
Surrender to the commercialism and secularism of Christmas or remain focused on the promise; “A son is given.” How will you remain focused on Him? Mary’s song helped her to remain focused on the promise fulfilled even though the timing wasn’t right for her, even though she didn’t fully understand. Blessed are you with eyes wide open to the signs of God’s presence all around you.
When Fear Gives Way to Joy
Fear is a reality for us but it need not control us. In Christ our fears can be replaced with his joy.
Rejoice! Christ Is Coming!
Christ has come! Christ will come again! We are in the between times, a time of hope with much to do!