We live in a divided world, both on an individual level and as a larger society. Why is this the case? What can prevent it? These are important questions, but not the ones that the birth of Jesus ultimately answers. When God became human in the person of Jesus, he instead answered another question - how can peace come in the midst of division and restore beauty and unity to us? Listen in today to this Christmas Eve sermon and find the hope of peace for you.
Peace Over Fear (Luke 2:8-21; Philippians 4:4-7)
In the Christmas story, the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared to them announcing the birth of Jesus. Likewise, each of us can find ourselves full of fear throughout our lives. But as the angel told the shepherds to "Fear not" and that "peace on earth" was coming, so too is the peace of God offered to us. Listen in today as we learn more about how to face fear in our daily lives and find the peace of God to be everything we need.
Peace Over Anxiety (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Philippians 4:4-7)
What can possibly help resolve the rampant anxiety that nearly everyone in the world goes through? As we listen to the classic birth of Jesus story once again - today through the lens of Mary and Joseph - we will see that anxiety has always been part of the human story. But there also is an antidote that the Bible teaches us about. What does Jesus teach us about anxiety, and how does the peace of God profoundly work into our deepest selves to cure the anxious heart and mind?
Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14)
What would you say is the opposite of peace in your life? Whatever you identify as your answer, the Bible promises that Jesus comes to bring not only the fulfillment and completion of that emptiness, but also of every incomplete reality in the world. Listen in today as we learn from the words of the prophet Jeremiah about God's vision for peace, even in the darkest of circumstances in our lives - plans for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation.
Christ the King (Colossians 1:15-20)
There are so many authorities in life. How can we possibly put all the pieces together to know how to live in the one right way that life was meant to be lived? Listen in today to consider Jesus Christ as the true King of the true Kingdom.
Home For Christmas: Heaven (Revelation 21:1)
Today marks the beginning of Advent, the season of "Arrival" remembering Jesus' first coming at his birth and longing for his second coming. As we begin this new 4-week series, we tap into that "longing" today that each of us feels deep within - a longing for our true, eternal HOME. Listen in today as we connect the dots from the baby in the manger to the New Heavens and New Earth coming for those who trust in Jesus.