The Message of the Manger
Pastor Michael Graff
1) God loved us so much that he took action.
1 John 4:9, This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
2) We are reminded to expect the unexpected.
Luke 2:12, This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
3) We are all part of God’s master plan.
Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG), It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
The Advent Villain
Pastor Matt Mashburn
Matthew 2:1–8 (ESV), 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
• What feeds the villain inside of us? Our hurts and wounds.
• Grace changes everything. Grace was born in a manger, in a stable, with animals all around to an unmarried mother. Grace was from a town that was the unlikeliest of places for it to come from. Grace means that we are forgiven, no matter what our villain has done. Grace is free, it is available to everyone, it does not require penance or payment, just acceptance.
True Joy
Pastor Tamara Graff
Matthew 2:10 (KJV), When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
• God’s paths lead to a joy-filled life.
Matthew 2:11 (KJV), And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold and frankincense, and myrrh.
• True worship causes us to give our best.
John 16:22, So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
• Jesus gives lasting joy!
When God Shows Up
Pastor Tony Velasquez
Matthew 11:28-29, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
• What could it really look like for us to embrace with awe and gratitude His presence in our every day, ordinary lives?
Luke 2:10-12, 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
• God shows up in unlikely places with unlikely people.
Psalm 23:1-3, 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul . . .
• Worship and the Word will remind us that we have a shepherd who provides constant peace.
Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
• Let’s receive Christ’s PEACE and PRESENCE in our everyday, ordinary lives.