White As Snow
Sins Like Scarlet
December 4, 2022 • Pastor Peggy Brumfield • Isaiah 1:18
Christmas only makes sense when we recognize that we are a sinful people in need of saving. The Old Testament scriptures are full of the Israelite people seeking to live in right relationship with God. They were fully aware of their sinful states and how their sin stained their souls a dark scarlet red. This scarlet hue would have also brought to mind the sacrifices the priests would make for the cleansing of sin. The Jewish people had hope that one day the long-awaited Messiah would come and rescue them once and for all. This prophetic message given in Isaiah is a foreshadowing of the once-and-for-all cleansing that will come through Jesus Christ.
God With Us
December 11, 2022 • Pastor Kurt Klose • Matthew 1:18–23
The prophecies of the Old Testament come to pass when a young girl named Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to a little baby in a manger. This incredible moment is known as the incarnation because God became flesh and was born into the world. Mary names the baby Immanuel, which means “God with us” and his arrival was the proof that God had not forgotten about His people. Though sin had marred creation, God came himself to re-create us and make us new.
Heavenly Peace
December 18, 2022 • Pastor Nathan Batres • Luke 2:8–14
Our world has been plunged into deep darkness. We live surrounded by chaos, hurt and pain. The angels announced to the lowly shepherds that the Savior had been born. This was good news because Jesus had come to bring peace to a world that was in great need. This peace is for us as well. Right in the middle of the darkness of our world comes one who can bring light. Peace does not mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of God among us. / Luke 2:8-14