Advent
Advent 2012
A Biblical Response To Evil And Tragedy
December 30, 2012 • Michael McCracken
Matthew recounts the horrific story of the slaughtering of the young males in Bethlehem by King Herod. In the midst of this seemingly hopeless text Matthew points us to two Old Testament passages that give an honest response to our pain and suffering. Whether we like what we hear is another story. Additional Scripture References: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 14:26; Mark 8:35-37; Hosea 11:1-7; 13:4-6; 12:8; 14:3-6; Jer. 31:14-20
The Word Became Flesh
December 9, 2012 • Jon Paul Dennison
Each year around December, people everywhere are telling others to remember the "reason for the season." However, these efforts are often still exhorting something less than the Advent of Christ. Perhaps in foresight of this, the Apostle John begins his gospel telling us that the Word, who was in the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us. To us today, this is a reminder that when Jesus was born, God had come to us. This is the reason, the rest are implications. Additional Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 2:6-12, Colossians 1:15-16, John 8:12-19, John 8:58
The Weight Of Advent
December 2, 2012 • Michael McCracken
The heart of advent is that there truly would be a weightiness and a gravity placed on us as we reflect on the moment Christ made His first appearance in this world. It Is our desire here at ARCC that "advent" season would be a reminder of how truth of Christ's Incarnation and the truth of His expected return is to play Itself outIn our lives every day of our lives.