The Gift We Long For

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The Gift We Long For

The Desire of Our Hearts

December 1, 2024 • Bruce Humphrey • Psalm 37:4, Luke 2:25–32, Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 9:6

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Discover the true gift of Christmas in this inspiring message from our 'The Heart of Christmas' series. While the holiday season often emphasizes decorations, gifts, and festivities, the true essence of Christmas is found in Jesus Christ. We all have desires, whether they are material or deeper, like peace and joy. The story of Ralphie from 'A Christmas Story' mirrors our longings for things we believe will bring happiness. However, the ultimate gift we all truly long for is Jesus, who fulfills every desire and every longing in our hearts. Christmas can bring stress and unmet expectations, but Jesus offers a gift that changes everything. Psalm 37:4 teaches us to delight in the Lord, aligning our desires with His and finding true fulfillment. The story of Simeon in Luke 2 shows that our true longings are fulfilled in Christ. This Christmas, focus on Jesus and trust Him to meet your deepest needs, bringing lasting joy, peace, and love into your life.

Overcoming Disappointment: Joy in God’s Presence

December 18, 2024 • Bruce Humphrey • Luke 2:6–7, Psalm 16:11

Life is tough, isn’t it? Bills, deadlines, relationships—it all piles up. And let’s be real, joy often feels like the first thing to disappear. But here’s the good news: joy doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from God’s presence. Take Mary and Joseph, for example. No fancy birthing plan, no perfect setting—just a stable and God’s presence, literally, in the form of Jesus. Luke 2:6-7 reminds us that God can bring greatness and joy even in challenging, imperfect circumstances. Main takeaway? Joy isn’t about perfect places but about the perfect presence of God. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will fill me with joy in your presence.” Struggling today? Take 10 minutes to sit with God—pray, read Scripture, or be still. Let Him remind you that He’s with you, no matter how heavy life feels. Remember, joy isn’t about life being perfect—it’s about trusting the perfect God who never leaves you.

Overcoming Disappointment: Finding Joy in Unmet Expectations

December 15, 2024 • Bruce Humphrey • Luke 2:6–7

Unmet expectations can frustrate us, but they never mess up God's plan. Even in the letdowns, He's working for something bigger than we can imagine. In Luke 2:6-7, we see Mary and Joseph expecting a warm welcome in Bethlehem, but instead, they end up in a humble stable. It wasn’t what they planned, but God was at work at that moment, writing the greatest story ever. We all face moments when reality doesn’t match our expectations—whether it's a job that didn’t pan out, a relationship that ended, or plans that fell through. But here's the truth: unmet expectations don't derail God's plan.

The Challenges of Waiting

December 8, 2024 • Jacob Ward • Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 40:29–31, Psalm 62:5, Galatians 4:4–5, James 5:7–11

In this Christmas season, we reflect on the themes of waiting and anticipation. Just as Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" eagerly awaited his Red Ryder BB gun, we also experience seasons of waiting in our lives. This message explores the concept of waiting through the lens of Ralphie's story and the biblical narrative, offering insights on how to find peace and purpose during these times.