2023 Advent Series
The Unexpected Gift
December 24, 2023 • Pastor Peggy Brumfield, Jason Lawrence Turner • Luke 2:8–20
The Christmas story also includes a visit to lowly shepherds, an ostracized group in society. Out of the darkness of night comes another angelic messenger who is soon joined by a host of others. Through these heavenly beings, God sends the greatest birth announcement ever shared – the birth of the Messiah, the Savior of the world – to the unsuspecting shepherds. They would not only meet the Christ child but also “Go Tell It!” to others. Their witness reminds us that God is always willing to include the overlooked and the outcast in the unfolding of his plan.
The Unexpected Commitment
December 17, 2023 • Pastor Esra Paano, Jason Lawrence Turner • Matthew 1:18–25
Although Jesus had no earthly father, God in his providence included Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, in his plans to bring Jesus into the world. Despite his initial discomfort, Joseph’s presence brought protection to Mary, who escaped the law’s penalty toward unwed mothers. He reminds us that God calls his people to step into roles to exercise leadership and responsibility for His glory.
The Unexpected Promise
December 10, 2023 • Jason Lawrence Turner, Pastor Kurt Klose • Luke 1:26–38
After Zechariah unexpectedly receives word that he and his wife Elizabeth would conceive a child at a most unusual time in their lives, Mary in the town of Nazareth has her own plans upended. An angelic visitor shares a divine message, explaining that she would be the one whom God would use to bring the Christ child into the world. The divine selection of seemingly insignificant Mary demonstrates how a sovereign God can include us in His plans, which are greater than our own. Mary’s response also demonstrates how to respond to life change. What many would consider to be inconveniences, they are divine interruptions which God uses for a higher purpose than we could ever imagine.
The Unexpected Hope
December 3, 2023 • Jason Turner, Pastor Nathan Batres • Micah 5:2–6
We often gravitate to Christmas movies that present a situation which appears hopeless and in which the main character feels helpless. In those low points, a Christmas miracle usually occurs. Just as scriptwriters have authored the miraculous turnarounds in Christmas movies, the Author of human history wrote an amazing reversal of fortune into the script of humanity. Micah was given the words to share this message of hope, and it came during a particularly low point in Israel’s history. In this session, Jason Turner, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Church in Memphis, TN, explores the hope of Advent proclaimed to Israel hundreds of years before the Messiah’s arrival. That hope can be embraced by us, reminding us that no situation is too bleak when God is at work.